@robfranciseu.bsky.social
Managing editor and Brussels editor for Borderlex covering EU trade policy and coordinating coverage in across London, Geneva, and much else besides. Recovering lobbyist. Occasional meme maker. Season ticket holder Union Saint-Gilloise and Belgium
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialHow to make voluntary export restraints, or something like them, WTO-compliant? Asking for a friend.
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialIf you sign up to tackle the problem, you can't also 'be' the problem - right? Maybe the EU has escaped future US tariffs on overcapacity. More by the Borderlex team here borderlex.net/2026/10/08/o...
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialOne minute we hear that Germany has caved to France on excluding the UK from 'Made in Europe' rules - then I read that Germany wants UK to increase tariffs on Chinese EVs OR risk being outside 'Made in Europe'. Perfectly encapsulates the confusion and mess of the IAA.
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialLawmakers and industry want different things from the EU trade commissioner's trip to Beijing which starts tomorrow. Read our curtain raiser to what could be a make-or-break visit borderlex.net/2026/10/07/m...
@coppetainpu.bsky.socialReposted by @robfranciseu.bsky.socialThis week’s WTO General Council: 1️⃣ Chair accepts WTO reform schedule is ‘overloaded’ 2️⃣ WTO reform: more ideas but no convergence. New papers to be discussed in November 3️⃣ E-Commerce plurilateral: US is dissatisfied with replies on interim set-up, says WTO director-general “was wrong”. EU disagrees
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialEU-Malaysia trade talks are progressing, but signficant points of contention remain. Our stocktake of where talks stand below borderlex.net/2026/10/05/e...
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialAre you also confused about a "Section 301 for China" and "red button" tariffs? (Spoiler, they aren't - indeed, can't - be the same thing). Read our explainer on the EU trade defence toolbox and the various US statutes below borderlex.net/2026/10/02/a...
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialIndonesian exporters to the EU face a cliff-edge at the end of the year when their current trade preferences expire - the commission said today it is not willing to extend them until the trade agreement enters into force. More by me below borderlex.net/2026/10/01/i...
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialChair of the EP committee on trade Bernd Lange doesn't expect the US to conclude its section 301 probe into excess capacity until after the US midterms (3 November). Matches what US sources have said.
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialThe European Parliament set to host a parliamentary conference in March with other lawmakers from around the world to discuss WTO and WTO reform. Some MEPs want WTO ministerials to take place every year, rather than two years to keep up the political pressure
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialSustainability should be mainstreamed across the EU's sustainable investment agreements with third countries, a recently published study said - but the EU should ensure it provides sufficient tech and financial assistance in return. More by me here borderlex.net/2026/09/30/s...
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialThe concept of 'Made in Europe' continues to divide the parliament and political groups. The main drafters are seemingly of one mind but the position of the EPP - largely sidelined so far - could be decisive. See below for latest developments borderlex.net/2026/09/28/i...
@robfranciseu.bsky.social🚨Brazillian beef likely to be banned in the EU for at least 2 years, a senior commission official said today. On the plus side, imports of honey and poultry could resume following a positive audit earlier this month. More by me below borderlex.net/2026/09/28/b...
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialThe commission will carry out another audit on Brazillian beef - but this audit is "not envisaged in the short term" says the commission's Eric Thévenet. Says the import ban affecting Brazillian beef is related to the hormone estradiol found in beef destined for the EU.
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialHas a government spokesperson ever said they would happily provide a "running commentary"? All I ever hear is that that is something they will never do.
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialOn 3 - what is striking is that these supposed adversaries end up agreeing on everything. Yet the premise remains. See "The Ex Files" with Christiane Amanpour and Jamie Rubin (actually a decent listen but the premise is all wrong)
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialMember states are still divided over who can benefit/will suffer as a result of the IAA. Some, led by France, want "made in EU" to mean "made in EU". Others want to bring in other countries. We did a stocktake of positions following today's ministerial borderlex.net/2026/09/24/e...
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialICYMI - we’ve all seen versions of this movie before. And quite recently too.
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialSome of the EU's most important trade partners - including the US, Australia, Brazil, and more - lined up to slam EU plans to limit - in some cases to zero - pesticide residues in imports. We've seen the letter they sent to the commission. More below borderlex.net/2026/09/23/f...
@robfranciseu.bsky.socialAny views on why the EU and Phillippines decided to announce their trade agreement today? No ministers in town and the thing isn't even done yet (so much for "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed"). And it's not as if there's been a shortage of trade deals recently
