How does the Commission Articulate Development Objectives and Trade Policy? A Case Study on the 2012 Revision of the GSP

Since the early 1970s, the EU pictures itself as a pioneer of trade measures specifically adapted to the need of developing countries. The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) is a flagship instrument of EU trade policy and its commitment to the realization of development objectives. In 2010, the European Commission undertook a major revision exercise, which led to the adoption in October 2012 of an EU regulation on a revised GSP, aiming at more effectiveness. If the review of the current system was rather positive – the contribution of the GSP to development and poverty eradication being recognised – it was not as far-reaching as one would have hoped. The revision process reflects EU efforts not only to adapt its scheme of import preferences to rapidly changing global trade patters, but above all to better match the trade, economic and financial needs of developing countries and to target its efforts on those developing countries most in need. The role of the Commission was instrumental given its expertise and competence in trade policy. This paper focuses on the drafting of the Commission proposal for a regulation on a revised GSP. To what extent does the Commission proposal provide for a consistent action of the EU on trade preferences? This chapter argues that the drafting of the proposal illustrates long-term and strategic coordination efforts within and between institutions at the intersection between development, trade and foreign policy concerns.