Before the summer break, on July 17 and 18 in Geneva, Member State ambassadors of the World Trade Organization (WTO) once again assessed the state of negotiations over fisheries subsidies and cautiously noted the start of convergence in the talks.
According to a Geneva source, representatives of the multilateral organisation's member states voiced "mixed" views regarding their ability to conclude these talks by 2019, in line with their Buenos Aires commitment in 2017 (see EUROPE 12258/15).
The chair of the fisheries negotiating group, Mexican Ambassador Roberto Zapata Barradas, was optimistic: "Over the past week, we've started to see real convergence. I'm very encouraged that, with this new dynamic, a successful outcome can be reached within the end of the year", said the President – a position shared by other members.
Mr Zapata Barradas called on member countries to be "pragmatic", in particular by simplifying their proposals in order to make progress. In addition, the working texts reflecting various different positions were approved as a basis for further negotiations, which will resume in September and continue to take place monthly.
However, some members were more sceptical about this timetable, with many negotiators simply reaffirming their positions, rather than seeking compromises. (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)