The Romanian Presidency of the Council has put the reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the heart of the European Union's trade priorities for the next six months - this was announced to MEPs of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade by Ștefan-Radu Oprea, Romanian Minister of Trade, representing the Presidency-in-Office of the Council, on Wednesday 23 January.
Mr Oprea reiterated the importance for the EU to continue to play a key role in pursuing the various efforts to reform and modernise the WTO.
In particular, the Romanian Minister stressed the need to break the deadlock in the WTO's ‘Appellate Body’, whose appointments are still blocked by the United States (see EUROPE 12146, 12098, 11885). The Presidency also intends to be involved in trilateral discussions with Japan and the United States and in bilateral dialogue with China.
The relationship with the United States is also one of the Presidency's priorities: Mr Oprea promised the immediate launch of discussions on the two mandates presented by the Commission last week (see EUROPE 12175).
Work to create a multilateral structure for investment will also be on the Council's agenda, the minister told MEPs.
Mr Oprea also promised to continue the ongoing legislative work, “in particular the negotiations on dual-use goods and the ongoing trade talks with China, Mercosur, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, but also Vietnam”.
Probable delays on agreements with Vietnam
"We will continue discussions in the Council on the free trade agreement and the investment protection agreement with Vietnam, which are a priority for us”, the Romanian minister announced. “We would like to see it signed during our presidency”, he added. However, further delays are expected in the procedure for signing and ratifying the agreements. MEPs expressed concern that the Presidency's timetable could further delay this procedure until the end of 2019.
Mr Oprea also promised that the Council would closely monitor rule of law reforms in Hanoi, in particular the signing of International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)