Brussels, 19/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - No substantial breakthrough is expected in talks on an association agreement between the EU and the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht trusts that offers on market access will be exchanged by the summer.
Meeting in Brussels from 12 to 16 March for their 8th round of talks, European and South American negotiators notched up further progress, not only on the political chapter but also on the trade section of the association agreement, and undertook to “move negotiations forward” in coming months. On the trade plank, the parties have made headway on services and establishment, the dispute settlement mechanism, public procurement and rules of origin. Questions relating to the trade in goods, to trade defence instruments and sustainable development were discussed at chief negotiators' level with both sides clarifying positions and expectations. Europeans and South Americans will meet against in July, in Brazil.
On the sidelines of the European trade ministers' meeting, on Friday 6 March, Commissioner De Gucht said he expected an effort would be made during the second half of 2012 to ensure positions are well-defined, with an exchange of offers on market access expected “by the summer”. (EH/transl.jl)