The European Parliament's INTA committee on 23 June 2026 debated export credits, the International Procurement Instrument (IPI), and the enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, revealing divergences among MEPs on competitiveness, decarbonisation, and safeguards.
On export credits, the Commission's Deputy Head of Unit (DG TRADE) argued that OECD modernisation should boost EU competitiveness while preserving a level playing field, with revisions for low-emission ships and an EU delegated act. Jörgen Warborn (EPP) pressed for better SME access, while Brando Benifei (S&D) linked credits to decarbonisation but warned against a race to the bottom. Iuliu Winkler (EPP) asked about moving beyond the OECD framework. The Commission noted an EIF pilot for Ukrainian SMEs and a voluntary transparency exercise on fossil fuels.
On the IPI, the Commission's Head of Unit (DG TRADE) presented the medical devices case against China as justified, leading to a June 2025 exclusion measure for Chinese tenders above €5 million. Dirk Gotink (EPP) questioned how to capture hidden barriers, Benifei called for safer business channels, and Winkler argued the IPI gives leverage despite rare use. The Commission replied that 87% of Chinese procedures showed discrimination, with no formal complaints due to retaliation fears.
On the enhanced EPA with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, Chief Negotiator Cristina Miranda Gonzalez presented it as a milestone covering services, digital trade, and enforceable Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) provisions. Warborn welcomed the outcome, Pierre Pimpie (PfE) questioned safeguards and rapid suspension tools, and Vicent Marzà (Greens/EFA) warned of pressure on local producers and raised concerns about seed privatisation. The Commission rejected that reading, stressing flexibility on UPOV 1991. Zimbabwe remains excluded due to open issues on mining access and subsidy transparency. Next steps: legal scrubbing will take at least seven months before Parliament consent.
EU exporters and SMEs could benefit from improved access to export credits and procurement opportunities, while Chinese medical device suppliers face exclusion from EU tenders above €5 million. Eastern and Southern African farmers and workers may face competitive pressure from EU imports under the EPA, though enforceable TSD provisions aim to mitigate negative effects.