‘Murky protectionism’ and behind-the-border barriers: How big an issue? The €100 billion question

Compared to recent headline-grabbing events, dealing with 'behind-the-border barriers' and keeping protectionist tendencies at bay might seem to be small potatoes. This column argues that the 'murky protectionism' that affects €100 billion of trade will have profound implications for Europe and the rest of the world, and as such is worthy of attention.

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ESO: Background information: EU sets out priorities to dismantle trade barriers http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-sets-out-priorities-to-dismantle-trade-barriers/

European Commission: DG Trade: Trade and Investment Barriers Report 2011 http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2011/march/tradoc_147629.pdf

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