Die Europäische Union (EU) war vom Einbruch des Welthandels im vierten Quartal 2008 und ersten Quartal 2009 besonders stark betroffen: Die Warenexporte der EU in Drittländer gingen 2009 real um 15% zurück, während der Weltexport um 12% schrumpfte. Deutschland büßte dabei auch seine...

Enhancing the competitiveness of German firms on foreign markets and preserving the attractiveness of Germany as a business location to foreign investors are the twin objectives of foreign economic policy (FEP) in Germany. Its scope extends far beyond conventional "border" measures to encompass...

The EC recently created a new instrument of trade policy to deter illicit trade practices. A major part of its purpose is to strengthen the Community’s authority in the area of trade policy and counter the spread of international protectionism within the Community. The following article...

Both the national as well as the international debate on US trade policy are overshadowed, and strongly influenced, by the large external inbalances of major trading nations. What do these disequilibria mean for US trade policy? Moreover, is the USA losing comparative advantage in agriculture...

The initiative to set up the single European market has aroused fears abroad, and indeed even within Europe itself, that the intention is to turn the Community into a "Fortress Europe". Attempts to allay these fears by the Council of Ministers, the EC Commission or individuals representing them...