A source close to the negotiations confirmed to EUROPE that the chief negotiators for the European Union and Mercosur felt on Tuesday, 25 June, that their discussions had made sufficient progress to call for a ministerial meeting on Thursday, 27 June (see EUROPE 12278/14).
The same source specified that foreign affairs, trade, and agriculture ministers from Mercosur will be present.
The chief negotiators have been gathered in Brussels since Friday, 21 June, in order to reach a free trade agreement between the South American bloc and the European Union (see EUROPE 12280/6).
EUROPE learned that the progress made should make it possible to envisage a political discussion on the issues of access to the agricultural markets of both blocs, some geographical indications, and some other outstanding issues.
On 25 June, a European Commission spokesperson announced that European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen and Trade and Agriculture Commissioners Cecilia Malmström and Phil Hogan will first have a working dinner on Wednesday evening in order to “take stock of the progress”. (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)