Brussels, 21/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - With negotiations on a bilateral agreement between the EU and India at a decisive stage, with three weeks of technical-level discussions between mid-November and the week of 5 December, the European Commission last week reiterated its commitment to sealing a deal before the next EU-India summit in February
“This is a very important deal for the EU and India. There are some important issues outstanding and only an ambitious agreement will bring significant benefits. But the EU and India are working with full steam ahead to find solutions which are acceptable to both sides. Intense negotiations will therefore continue over the coming months to effectively solve the remaining core issues between now and the EU-India summit, which is scheduled for 10 February”, said Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht's spokesman John Clancy on 17 November, in a message which contradicts the rumours of deadlock that have been circulating in the Indian press over the last few weeks.
Negotiations on a trade deal between the EU and India, which were launched in 2007, have now entered a critical phase. Negotiators from both sides must now find common ground on key issues which remain pending, in particular on non-tariff barriers, services and public procurement. Following a week of talks devoted to services and establishment, negotiators will move on this week to discuss non-tariff barriers, and the chief negotiators will hold discussions in the week of 5 December on all outstanding issues. (EH/transl.rt)