[:uk]
Summary of Recent EU Regulations
1. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2661
This regulation establishes definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of aluminium radiators from the People’s Republic of China. It follows an expiry review and confirms that existing anti-dumping duties, initially imposed in 2012 and extended in 2019, will remain in place due to significant dumping practices. The duties range from 12.6% to 56.2% depending on the exporting producer, with a general rate of 61.4% for non-cooperating entities. The review highlighted concerns over the potential for renewed dumping and injury to the EU industry, leading to the conclusion that maintaining these measures is essential for protecting the market.
2. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2700
This regulation amends existing restrictive measures against individuals and entities destabilizing the Republic of Moldova. By adding five individuals and one organization to the sanctions list, the EU aims to counteract actions threatening Moldova’s sovereignty, particularly those linked to the now-banned political party “SHOR” and its supporters. Notable figures include officials from Gagauzia involved in illegal financing and promoting separatism. This regulation underlines the EU’s commitment to supporting Moldova’s democratic integrity and resisting external influence.
3. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2697
This regulation implements sanctions against Iran due to its military support for Russia and involvement in regional conflicts. It amends previous regulations to include seven individuals and seven entities linked to Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs. High-ranking officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and several Iranian airlines are designated for their roles in arms transfers and military operations. This action reflects the EU’s coordinated response to threats posed by Iran’s military activities, reinforcing international peace and security efforts.
4. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2673
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2661 of 14 October 2024 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of aluminium radiators originating in the People’s Republic of China following an expiry review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council
Summary of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2661
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2661, adopted on October 14, 2024, establishes definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of aluminium radiators from the People’s Republic of China. This regulation follows an expiry review under Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036.
1. Background of Anti-Dumping Measures
The original anti-dumping measures were first imposed by Regulation (EU) No 1039/2012, and were subsequently prolonged by Regulation (EU) 2019/59. The current anti-dumping duties range from 12.6% to 56.2%, depending on the exporting producer, with a general rate of 61.4% for non-cooperating companies.
2. Request for Expiry Review
The review was initiated following a request from the International Association of Aluminium Radiator Manufacturers, citing concerns that the expiry of existing anti-dumping measures would likely lead to renewed dumping and injury to the Union industry. The review period for dumping was from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, while the injury assessment covered a broader period from January 1, 2020, to the end of the review investigation period.
3. Investigation Process
The Commission initiated the review on January 12, 2024, and invited interested parties to participate. The investigation included verification visits to the premises of selected Union producers. However, no producers from China cooperated, leading the Commission to rely on available facts for its determinations.
4. Product Definition
The product under review includes aluminium radiators and their components, excluding electrical radiators, classified under specific CN and TARIC codes.
5. Determination of Dumping
The investigation confirmed the presence of significant distortions in the Chinese market, rendering it inappropriate to use domestic prices for determining normal value. Instead, the normal value was constructed based on undistorted costs from a representative country, identified as Türkiye.
6. Findings on Injury
The Commission assessed the economic situation of the Union industry, noting a decline in production and consumption of aluminium radiators. Despite some positive microeconomic indicators, the overall trend indicated weaknesses, particularly due to declining demand and increased costs.
7. Conclusion on Recurrence of Injury
The Commission concluded that if the anti-dumping measures were allowed to lapse, there would be a likelihood of a significant increase in dumped imports at injurious prices, leading to material injury to the Union industry.
8. Union Interest
The Commission evaluated the interests of various stakeholders, concluding that maintaining the anti-dumping measures would serve the interests of the Union industry without significantly harming importers or users.
9. Anti-Dumping Measures
The regulation imposes definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of aluminium radiators from China, with specific rates assigned to named companies and a general duty for all other companies. The application of individual rates is conditional upon the presentation of a valid commercial invoice.
10. Final Provisions
This regulation will enter into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and is directly applicable in all Member States.
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2700 of 14 October 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/888 concerning restrictive measures in view of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova
Analysis of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2700
The Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2700, adopted on 14 October 2024, serves to amend Regulation (EU) 2023/888, which concerns restrictive measures in response to actions that destabilize the Republic of Moldova. This regulation exemplifies the European Union’s commitment to supporting Moldova’s sovereignty and stability against external threats.
Key Provisions
The regulation specifically adds five individuals and one entity to the list of those subject to restrictive measures, as detailed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/888. The individuals and entity added are as follows:
Individuals Listed
-
Evghenia Guțul
- Position: Governor of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia
- Nationality: Republic of Moldova
- Reasons for Listing: Involvement in illegal financing for the now-banned political party “SHOR”, promoting separatism, and engaging in activities that threaten Moldova’s constitutional order and sovereignty.
-
Iurii Cuznețov
- Position: Deputy Head of the General Department for External Relations, Gagauzia
- Nationality: Republic of Moldova
- Reasons for Listing: Participation in financing schemes through a Russian bank and support for separatist activities.
-
Nelli Parutenco
- Position: Founder/Director of Evrazia
- Nationality: Republic of Moldova
- Reasons for Listing: Former treasurer of the “SHOR” party, promoting Russian interests and propaganda, and involved in financing activities detrimental to Moldova’s sovereignty.
-
Ilia Uzun
- Position: Deputy President of the Executive Committee of Gagauzia
- Nationality: Republic of Moldova
- Reasons for Listing: Engagement in spreading Russian propaganda and organizing demonstrations against the Moldovan authorities.
-
Mihail Vlah
- Position: Deputy Governor of Gagauzia
- Nationality: Republic of Moldova
- Reasons for Listing: Participation in violent demonstrations and attempts to destabilize the constitutional order in Moldova.
Entity Listed
-
Evrazia
- Type: Autonomous non-commercial organization
- Address: Moscow, Russia
- Reasons for Listing: Promotes Russian interests and propaganda in Moldova, serving as a channel for financing projects that undermine Moldova’s sovereignty.
Conclusion
This regulation demonstrates the EU’s proactive stance in addressing activities perceived as threats to the stability and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova. By imposing restrictive measures on individuals and entities associated with separatist actions and Russian influence, the EU aims to reinforce its support for Moldova’s democratic governance and territorial integrity.
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2697 of 14 October 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1529 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2697
This regulation, adopted on October 14, 2024, implements Regulation (EU) 2023/1529, which concerns restrictive measures against Iran due to its military support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and its involvement with armed groups in the Middle East and Red Sea regions.
Context and Background
The Council of the European Union, guided by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and previous regulations, emphasizes the need for a coordinated response to Iran’s actions. The European Council’s conclusions from March 2024 highlighted the potential for further sanctions if Iran were to supply ballistic missiles to Russia. This follows a statement from the High Representative of the Union condemning the transfer of Iranian-made missiles to Russia, which poses a direct threat to European security.
Significant Provisions
The regulation specifies the designation of individuals and entities involved in Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs. It responds to the ongoing use of Iranian UAVs by Russia in its military operations against Ukraine, which undermines international law and the sovereignty of Ukraine.
Restrictive Measures
- The regulation amends Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2023/1529, adding seven individuals and seven entities to the list subject to restrictive measures.
- Designated individuals include high-ranking officials in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and associated organizations, highlighting their roles in military operations and arms transfers.
- Three Iranian airlines are specifically named for their involvement in transferring UAVs and related technologies to Russia.
Details of Designated Individuals
Among those listed are:
- Behnam Shahriyari: An official in the IRGC Quds Force, involved in weapon transfers to armed groups.
- Ali Shadmani: Deputy coordinator of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, overseeing military operations and UAV development.
- Mehdi Gogerdchian: Managing director of Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries, linked to UAV production.
- Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari: Deputy defense minister focused on arms development.
Details of Designated Entities
Entities designated include:
- Saha Airlines: A state airline involved in UAV transfers to Russia.
- Mahan Air: A private airline also implicated in similar activities.
- Iran Alumina Company: A producer of materials used in missile propellant.
Implementation and Enforcement
This regulation enters into force upon publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and is binding and directly applicable in all Member States. Its provisions aim to deter Iran’s military support activities and reinforce international efforts to maintain peace and security.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2673 of 11 October 2024 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of glass fibre yarns originating in the People’s Republic of China
Overview of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2673
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2673, adopted on 11 October 2024, imposes a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of glass fibre yarns originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This regulation is a response to an anti-dumping investigation initiated by the European Commission following a complaint from Glass Fibre Europe, which alleged that imports from China were being sold at unfairly low prices, causing material injury to the EU industry.
1. Procedure
The investigation began on 16 February 2024, based on a complaint that provided sufficient evidence of dumping and potential injury. The Commission decided not to register imports during the pre-disclosure period as there was no increase in import quantities following the initiation of the investigation. Interested parties, including known producers and exporters, were invited to participate in the investigation.
2. Product Under Investigation
The product in question is glass fibre yarns (GFY), which are used in various applications such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. The regulation specifies the CN codes for the product and clarifies that certain products such as glass fibre slivers and chopped strands are excluded from the investigation.
3. Dumping Determination
In assessing whether dumping occurred, the Commission found significant distortions in the Chinese market, which affected the pricing of the product. The normal value was constructed based on undistorted prices from a representative country, Türkiye, due to the inability to use domestic prices from China. The investigation concluded that the normal value for Henan Guangyuan, the only cooperating producer, was set at a margin of 26.3% for dumping.
4. Injury Analysis
The investigation found that the Union industry, comprising two producers, suffered material injury during the investigation period due to the increasing volume of imports from China, which captured a significant share of the market. Economic indicators such as sales volume, market share, and profitability showed a negative trend, with the industry unable to cover production costs due to the low prices of Chinese imports.
5. Causation
The Commission established a causal link between the dumped imports and the injury suffered by the Union industry. The substantial increase in imports coincided with a deterioration in the industry’s situation, as evidenced by a drop in sales volumes and prices below production costs.
6. Level of Measures
The regulation sets provisional anti-dumping duties at 26.3% for Henan Guangyuan and 56.1% for all other imports from China. These rates were calculated based on the lower of the dumping and injury margins to ensure that the duties are sufficient to address the injury caused by the dumped imports.
7. Union Interest
The imposition of provisional measures is deemed to be in the interest of the Union industry, as it aims to restore fair competition and prevent further injury. The impact on unrelated importers and users was evaluated, with no compelling reasons found to avoid imposing the duties.
8. Provisional Anti-Dumping Measures
The regulation specifies the conditions for the application of individual duty rates, requiring valid commercial invoices for imports from Henan Guangyuan. It also outlines that a security deposit equivalent to the provisional duty must be provided for the release of goods into circulation in the Union.
9. Final Provisions
Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the regulation within 15 days of its entry into force, and hearings can be requested within specified time limits. The findings of this regulation are provisional and subject to change during the definitive stage of the investigation.
This regulation reflects the Commission’s commitment to protecting the EU industry from unfair competition and ensuring compliance with trade laws.[:]