15/05/2019 (Agence Europe) – At the ‘Agriculture’ Council of the EU on Tuesday 14 May, the European Commission briefed Member State ministers on the progress of trade negotiations to open the Chinese market to European agri-food products. An opportunity for the Commission to highlight the difficulties faced by its negotiators during these discussions. China does not recognise the institution as a legitimate interlocutor to examine individual requests from Member States. A majority of market access agreements are concluded between China and Member States during bilateral events. The European Commission has therefore urged Member States to be united in solving problems, in order to ensure reciprocity between the EU and China (see EUROPE 12220/1). In these talks, the Commission also insists that China align its import conditions with international standards. (HD)