22/01/2019 (Agence Europe) – A European Union team is visiting Seoul to initiate consultations on Korean labour rights commitments. These are in the context of the implementation of the sustainable development provisions of the free trade agreement between the two entities. Requested by the EU on 17 December, the aim is for the Commission to identify with its trading partner an amicable and mutually satisfactory solution, according to the institution's spokesman (see EUROPE 12161). The EU expects Seoul to respect the principles of freedom of association and collective bargaining of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the ratification of four fundamental ILO conventions related thereto. This is the first time that the European Commission has activated this consultation mechanism, provided for in the chapter on sustainable development of its free trade agreements. (HD)