On 11 November 2021, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, took part in the meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council (Trade). The meeting focused on the EU-US trade relations and the EU’s priorities for the 12th World Trade Organization WTO) ministerial conference to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 30 November to 3 December.
The Parliamentary Secretary noted the progress achieved in the strengthening of transatlantic trade relations and, in particular, she expressed support for work launched by the EU-US Trade and Technology Council on new technology standards based on shared values. I am happy that the trade relations between the EU and the US are evolving in a positive spirit, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica said, adding that the parties have been able to make progress towards finding solutions to mutual disagreements, especially concerning the sectors of aviation, and steel and aluminium.
In a conversation with the United States Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, the Parliamentary Secretary also underlined the role of a closer engagement between the EU and the US when addressing global trade challenges. “It is essential for the EU and the US to work together so as to deal with problems caused by China’s economic practices. A concerted action by the EU and the US is also important for the WTO 12th Ministerial Conference to be a success and deliver meaningful results.”
Looking ahead to the conference, the ministers exchanged views on the progress achieved with EU Priority issues. The organisation is lagging in all of its core functions; therefore, its member states should agree as soon as possible about a working group on WTO reform, the Parliamentary Secretary stressed. It is also vital to achieve progress in negotiations on restricting the harmful fisheries subsidies and agree on the WTO’s contribution to response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the meeting the ministers also discussed the state of play of the EU’s trade talks. The most advanced negotiations currently are those with Chile and New Zealand. It is important that the EU continue creating new export and business opportunities, which will contribute to boosting our economic recovery and ensure resilient value chains, the Parliamentary Secretary said in support of entering into new trade agreements.
The European Commission then presented the first consolidated report on trade published on 27 October 2021. The EU is currently a trade partner to 74 countries worldwide. It is underlined in the report that the EU’s free trade agreements continue to facilitate trade between the EU and its partner countries. It is vital for the EU to remain open to trade so that businesses could make full use of the opportunities provided by trade agreements, the report underlines.