“In view of current challenges to trade relations between the EU and the United States, which are largely driven by a U.S. decision to raise customs tariffs on the imports of goods from the EU and other countries, the EU must continue building a pragmatic trade relationship with a strategically important partner such as the U.S. Latvia advocates fair and mutually advantageous trade relations with the U.S.,” the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Artjoms Uršuļskis, underlined at the at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in its Trade configuration held in Luxembourg on 7 April 2025. Its agenda highlights included current EU-U.S. and EU-China trade issues.
The Parliamentary Secretary thanked the European Commissioner for Trade, Maroš Šefčovič, for his proactive efforts in protecting the EU’s economic interests. The Parliamentary Secretary also called on the EC to continue its dialogue with the U.S. with a view to reaching negotiated solutions acceptable for both sides.
Artjoms Uršuļskis pointed out it was essential to avoid a broader escalation in trade relations with the U.S. He also highlighted the close unity of the EU, which will also be of key importance in the future.
The Parliamentary Secretary emphasised the need to further diversify the EU market through promoting negotiations on future trade agreements in order to facilitate trade in goods between countries, foster economic competitiveness, and remove other obstacles that hinder efforts to develop Latvia’s market.
“In the current geopolitical situation, the EU needs to expand its strategic trade partnerships with reliable and interested partners in Latin America, the Indo-Pacific region, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Gulf States,” Uršuļskis noted, “to protect EU interests and growing needs for critical resources and innovation, as well as ensure the widest possible market access for European companies.”
Regarding EU-China trade relations, Commissioner Šefčovič briefed the Council of the main conclusions following his recent visit to Beijing. The partners have agreed to maintain a regular dialogue at the political and technical level to address the current challenges of market access and overcapacity, to ensure a level playing field, and to promote cooperation on customs matters. The ministers agreed that China is an important trading partner for the EU to further develop a constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation with, while safeguarding the EU’s economic security interests.
Background information
The EU Foreign Affairs Council in its Trade configuration addresses matters of the EU’s trade relations with third countries, including trade in goods and services, the commercial side of intellectual property rights, aspects of international public procurement, and foreign direct investment rules. Meetings are chaired by the minister responsible for trade of the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The EU has one of the world’s largest networks of trade agreements, currently comprising 44 trade deals with 76 partner countries. The latest agreements concluded are those with Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) and Mexico. Negotiations on agreements have been resumed with Malaysia and are ongoing with India, Indonesia, Australia, Thailand, and other countries. In addition, the European Commission is setting in motion new, ground-breaking forms of cooperation such as sustainable investment promotion agreements, critical raw materials and digital trade partnerships, and Trade and Technology Councils, among others.
Read more: EU Trade Policy
