EU challenges Argentina

BRUSSELS - The Associated Press

The European Union is challenging Argentina before the World Trade Organization with claims the South American nations stifles imports to protect its own industry.

The EU, the world’s largest trading bloc, said Friday that Argentina’s recent move to seize control of a division of Spanish energy company Repsol was indicative of the worsening business climate in the country but was not instrumental in seeking international protection for its trade and investment.

EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht says the situation in Argentina is “clearly getting worse” by the month, leaving him “no choice but to challenge Argentina’s protectionist import regime.” The EU alleges that Argentina insists on pre-approval of all imports, systematically delays them and has policies to refuse or limit import amounts.