29/05/2019 (Agence Europe) – At the Trade Council on Monday 27 May, ministers discussed the creation of an international instrument on public procurement ('IPI') in order to ensure better reciprocity in access to these markets abroad (see EUROPE 12220/1, 12212/20). This first round confirmed the growing awareness amongst Member States of the importance of a mechanism like this at European level, noted sources close to the talks. Nevertheless, the differences in positions are still significant and the route to reconciliation of these points of view looks rocky. One of several divisions is represented by the Germans and other states in the north of the EU, who gave the Commission's proposal the most sceptical reception in 2012 and 2016, and maintain significant reservations. It will be up to the future Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU to show imagination and diplomacy in order to make progress on this issue. (HD)