Brussels, 27/06/2016 (Agence Europe) - Following the British referendum vote for the UK to leave the EU (Brexit), European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström gave assurances on Monday 27 June that the trade negotiations being conducted by the EU at all levels would continue.
“In this unprecedented situation, let me stress that we are clear and united in our response with regard to EU trade policy”, Malmström said in a statement. “Trade makes a vital and positive contribution to the EU's economic and external policy, and we will make sure that it continues to deliver real benefits to EU citizens”, she added.
“Our negotiations with key partners will continue. The European Union has an ambitious trade agenda and remains engaged in pursuing and concluding the different negotiating processes in which it is involved, at bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral level”, she said.
On the bilateral level, Malmström is “determined to make as much progress as possible in the months to come”, particularly in the negotiations with the US for a transatlantic trade and investment partnership agreement (TTIP). She will visit Washington on 28 June, ahead of the 14th round of TTIP negotiations on 11-15 July, in order to maintain momentum on the political level so as to conclude an agreement in principle by the end of 2016.
Malmström also confirmed that she would “soon” make a proposal for the ratification of the trade agreement with Canada (CETA). “This is the most ambitious and progressive agreement we have concluded so far”, she said, underlining its benefits in terms of growth and jobs, for consumers, workers and businesses, and giving assurances about high standards being maintained on food security, environmental protection and labour law. Malmström also highlighted the new model of investment protection which is “more transparent, independent, and impartial” than the previous one, and which enshrines the rights of governments to regulate.
In addition, Malmström reaffirmed the EU's commitment to advancing within the multilateral system at the WTO, following the agreement concluded in Nairobi in December 2015. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)