According to information obtained by The Capitol Forum, the draft measure aims specifically to restrict duty-free ferroalloy imports. Norway is the European Union’s second-largest ferroalloy supplier after Brazil. If the new regulation enters into force, quota or tariff restrictions could also be imposed on shipments originating from Norway.
Sources in Brussels state that the Commission’s plan is a response to the long-rising import pressure. However, this step would mark the first time that EEA members could fall under the scope of the EU’s trade defense measures.
The Norwegian government described the initiative as “concerning” in a statement to Anadolu Agency, warning that it could undermine the existing economic integration with the EU. Oslo emphasized that Norway is deeply integrated into the EU Single Market through the EEA and stressed that “protectionist tendencies should be avoided” in bilateral trade.
The European Commission has not yet issued an official statement, but sources indicate that the draft will be submitted to member state representatives for approval in the coming weeks. If adopted, the measure is expected to become a significant turning point in trade relations between EEA countries and the EU.
Source: AA
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