Brussels, 02/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - Following her visit on 26 February to Berlin, where she sought to convince the German government to support her efforts to conclude an EU/South Korea bilateral free trade agreement (EUROPE 9848), the Commissioner for trade, Catherine Ashton, remains confident that completing an agreement with Seoul before the spring, still remains possible. A source close to Ms Ashton, quoted by Reuters, stated, “Germany raised its concerns for the car industry, but also agreed it was a good deal overall. She is sympathetic to the concerns of the auto industry, but this cannot be held to ransom by one industry at the expense of the overall benefits to the European economy, which will be bolstered by this agreement”. On Thursday 26 February, the German minister of the economy, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg confirmed Berlin's support for the “ambitious” agreement negotiated by the Commission but did, however, underline the need for the agreement to be a “balanced” one for the car industry. The same source explained that he had, “told the Commissioner to hone in on these points in her further discussions with South Korean partners”. Ashton will meet representatives from member states again, at the 133 Committee meeting on 6 March, in an attempt to reach a compromise with the EU27 before the eighth and probably last negotiating session between experts from the Commission and South Korean government on 23-24 March in Seoul. The Commission is still hoping to complete the FTA with Seoul during the EU/South Korea summit planned for the end of this month. (E.H./trans/rh)