EU Market Access Strategy
Market Access Partnership
European exporters face not only persistently high import tariffs and quantitative restrictions, but also additional discriminatory non-tariff measures that can create barriers to market access.
Under the Market Access Partnership, the European Commission, EU Member States and European business associations work closely together to address existing trade barriers in key export markets and to prevent emerging barriers at an early stage.
This cooperation takes place in particular through the European Commission’s Market Access Teams (MATs) in EU Delegations in third countries, as well as through the Market Access Advisory Committee (MAAC), which brings together the European Commission, EU Member States and European business associations. The MAAC meets on a monthly basis. Dedicated subgroups have also been established for specific sectors, including SPS measures, the automotive sector, pharmaceutical products, medical devices and alcoholic beverages.
Access2Markets
The EU’s Access2Markets portal provides comprehensive, multilingual information on EU trade agreements with third countries, as well as on market access barriers and other trade barriers in third-country markets. The information is regularly discussed and updated within the MAAC and serves as a basis for the European Commission’s engagement with third countries in various committees and international fora.
Access2Markets also provides a centralised complaints mechanism, the Single Entry Point (SEP), as well as practical tools for businesses. These include ROSA, a self-assessment tool designed to help companies navigate complex rules of origin. The portal also provides information and tools relating to trade in services and public procurement.
The portal is designed in particular to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing quick and easy access to information on the rules and requirements applicable to exports to and imports from third countries, helping them to access international markets more effectively.
Further information
- Access2Markets: Video-Presentation
- SEP-Complaints: Single Entry Point | Access2Markets
Contact
Trade and Investment Policy: handelspolitik@bmwet.gv.at