This Country Commercial Guide 2008 (CCG) presents a comprehensive look at the European Union's commercial environment, using economic, political and market analysis. It provides in-depth information on and weblinks to topics including trade regulation and standards, selling U.S. goods and services, political, economic and investment climates and financing requirements. The CCGs were established by recommendation of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC), a multi-agency task force, to consolidate various reporting documents prepared for the U.S. business community. Country Commercial Guides are prepared annually at U.S. embassies through the combined efforts of several U.S. government agencies.

Country Commercial Guides can also be ordered in hard copy or on diskette from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) at 1-800-553-NTIS. U.S. exporters seeking general export information and assistance or country-specific commercial information should consult with their nearest Export Assistance Center or the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Trade Information Center at (800) USA-TRADE, or go to the following web site: http://www.export.gov.