The trade ministers of 12 EU member states – Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom – wrote to Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström on Wednesday 14 September to call for the speedy signing and provisional implementation of the EU-Canada free-trade agreement (CETA) and the continuation of EU-US free-trade talks (TTIP), reiterating their support for the Commission in the negotiations.
“Today more than ever, there is a need for a strong and positive voice in the discussions on trade issues. The EU’s delivery on growth, prosperity and jobs for all depends not only on structural reforms and strong public finances, but also to a large extent on an open, progressive and balanced trade policy. Europe needs to demonstrate clear leadership in negotiating free trade agreements if we are to generate the growth we need to meet future challenges”, they state.
“We therefore strongly believe that more trade is necessary if we are to continue creating new jobs in the EU. We must push for a trade policy that also stands up for workers’ rights, the environment, people’s health and our democratic space. In addition, trade agreements should naturally protect our own scope for decision-making”, they continue.
In this context, the ministers say they “are now looking forward” to the signing of CETA at the EU-Canada summit on 27 October and then its provisional application, expected at the start of 2017, following ratification by the European Parliament. “CETA is a broad and deep agreement based on the reality of today’s trade patterns, taking on board the content of a modern trade agreement”, they state.
In addition, the ministers reiterate their commitment and support to the Commission in the TTIP negotiations. “The Commission has been working hard to take these negotiations forward, inform stakeholders and consult with member states. The TTIP negotiations have made progress, given the large scope and high level of ambition of the agreement. However, outstanding issues remain and we should focus our attention on finding solutions”, they stress, stating nonetheless that they are “confident” that the Commission will be able achieve the goals and secure objectives in line with the Council negotiating mandate of 2013. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)