Brussels, 15/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 15 March, French President François Hollande told a press conference loudly and clearly after the European Council that the EU-United States free trade negotiations should exclude audiovisual services. On 12 March, the European Commission adopted a draft negotiating mandate which includes this sector, however. The mandate will have to obtain the approval of the Council so that these negotiations can begin as quickly as possible - preferably before the summer.
“I am in favour of a negotiation opening to support trade, but guarantees are needed on certain areas - health standards and the issue of the cultural exception, especially audiovisual services. We want them to be excluded from the scope of negotiations.” European Commissioner for the Internal Market Michel Barnier and European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou were also opposed to this sector being part of the scope of negotiations. The college of commissioners did not, however, follow their recommendations (see EUROPE 10805). (MD/transl.fl)