Setting the scene The legality of economic activities in occupied territories

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the draft direct trade regulation which was intended to allow direct trade between Northern Cyprus and the European Union (EU). It reviews origin-related measures adopted by the EU against territories whose military and economic occupation was openly condemned internationally. The book focuses on the conditions that exporters have to fulfil in order to bring their products into the EU under preferential trading rules. It also examines whether investment arbitration can serve as a means to hold the occupying State accountable for its conduct towards foreign investors and investments. The book argues that the way in which the Commission chose to frame the relevant legal issues and its strategic and selective use of international law seems to be both normatively dubious and politically motivated.