The trade ministers of the EU27 are meeting in Horsens, Denmark, on Monday 13 October for an informal meeting at which they will discuss the major trade issues of the day, in particular, economic relations with the United States. They will also examine the recently concluded free trade agreements (FTAs), which will soon be presented to them for approval.
Transatlantic relations. An initial discussion session between the ministers is devoted to EU-US trade relations. Although they are governed by an agreement in principle and a joint declaration (see EUROPE 13689/1), trade relations are still subject to uncertainty for European companies.
US President Donald Trump continues to impose tariffs on certain products imported into the United States, and the agreement in principle - which is non-binding - offers little guarantee. A few days ago, the US government asked the EU to exempt foreign companies from the environmental obligations set out in the European directive on corporate due diligence, which has not yet been implemented.
While the EU has promised to stick to its rules and enforce them, it will have to find a way of responding to the US President’s demands in order to avoid further tariff threats.
In addition, the European Commission is still hoping to negotiate preferential treatment for aluminium and its derivatives exported to the United States. Under the agreement in principle reached in July, the two partners will work towards reducing the current 50% tariff applied by Washington.
Economic security. The second working session, on the morning of 14 October, will focus on economic security and its commercial aspects. The European Commission presented a full strategy on this subject in 2024 (see EUROPE 13335/1), but has yet to implement some of the recommendations. Investment screening for foreign direct investment is making its way through the legislative process, but the control of outward investment is still the subject of debate.
Trade agreements. The EU27 will be able to hold much-anticipated discussions around recently agreed free trade agreements, starting with the EU/Mercosur agreement (see EUROPE 13701/1). These exchanges will provide a clearer picture of the position of certain Member States.
The Council of the European Union will probably be asked to vote on this agreement at the beginning of December, so that the European Commission can sign it in the wake of the biannual Mercosur summit on 5 December. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)