On 9-10 March 2023, in Stockholm, Sweden, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Gunda Reire, took part in an informal meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council on the matters of the common trade policy. Representatives from Member States exchanged views on the role of trade policy in promoting the EU’s competitiveness and EU-US trade relations. The meeting also featured a discussion with the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, about the EU’s trade support to Ukraine.
The Parliamentary Secretary underlined that an open and ambitious trade policy should be at the heart of EU competitiveness and economic growth. “EU businesses face a number of global challenges: rising energy and raw material prices, trade barriers and protectionism, insecurity of supply chains. It is important to support them by promoting the diversification of import and export markets and by expanding the EU’s network of free trade agreements. Open trade creates opportunities for EU industries to access critical raw materials, especially in sectors that are important to the EU’s climate and digital goals,” Gunda Reire said. The Parliamentary Secretary also stressed that the instruments of trade protection should be used in a balanced and targeted manner, without compromising the competitiveness of the EU economy.
In a discussion on EU-US trade relations, Gunda Reire noted that the two economies were closely linked and their relationship had considerable potential for deepening and expanding. “We must seize every opportunity to strengthen transatlantic relations. The EU-US Trade and Technology Council is able to provide a robust and reliable platform for future cooperation on bilateral and global issues such as export control, countering disinformation, evaluating investments,” the Parliamentary Secretary said.
In a conversation with the Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister, Gunda Reire highlighted Latvia’s strong support for Ukraine and its economic recovery. Ukraine’s access to the EU single market is important for promoting its resilience and a continued production and trade. The Parliamentary Secretary emphasised Latvia’s willingness to support the decision on extending trade benefits to Ukraine and noted the importance of the effective functioning of the Solidarity Lanes.
Background information
The EU Foreign Affairs Council in the format of common trade policy considers topics concerning the EU’s trade relations with third countries, including trade in goods and services, the commercial aspect of intellectual property rights, international public procurement, and rules governing foreign direct investment. The meetings are presided by the minister for trade of the EU member state holding the presidency of the Council of the EU.
Photo: Sweden2023eu, Johannes Frandsen