07/09/2018 (Agence Europe) – Speaking to civil society representatives on Thursday 6 September, the European Commission gave an update on the state of the trade negotiations between the EU and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). The negotiators will meet in Montevideo (Uruguay) on 10-14 September to continue their work with a view to concluding a free trade agreement (see EUROPE 12089). The EU's chief negotiator, Sandra Gallina, presented the progress achieved thus far. While confirming the strong political resolve of both parties to reach an agreement, she recognised that work remains to be done in several areas – automobiles and automobile spare parts, geographical indications, maritime services and dairy products (see EUROPE 12059). Gallina said that solutions still need to be found for the EU's very important interests in these areas. (LC)