It is currently not possible to file a European patent application claiming priority from an application filed in a WTO country but which is not party to the Paris Convention. Under EPC 2000, the priority provisions will conform to TRIPS in that, when filing a European patent application, priority rights may be claimed from any WTO country, whether or not it is party to the Paris Convention.

Another change in relation to priority is that, under EPC 2000, it will no longer be necessary to file the priority declaration at the time of filing a European patent application. It will be possible to correct or add a priority claim after filing, provided that it is done within sixteen months from the priority date.