The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable)
The EU Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) took place in Luxembourg on 14 June 2013. I and Sir John Cunliffe represented the UK on all the issues discussed at the meeting. A summary of those discussions follows.
One legislative item was discussed: the Commission’s two trade omnibus proposals which bring common commercial (trade) policy regulation into line with post-Lisbon decision-making arrangements. Council noted the political agreement reached in trilogue on the trade omnibus proposals and congratulated the presidency on this significant achievement. The Commission (de Gucht) welcomed the milestone, after a protracted negotiation between the institutions.
Free trade agreements
The negotiating mandate for the transatlantic trade and investment partnership (TTIP) was agreed, authorising the Commission to enter into trade talks with the US. Audiovisual (AV) services are excluded from the mandate for now, but the Commission retains the right to discuss AV with the US and to return to the Council for a revised mandate if inclusion of AV would improve the deal.
On Canada, the Commission (de Gucht) provided a brief update over lunch on these negotiations. A low-key update, with some limited progress noted on minor issues, but little movement on the three major outstanding issues: agricultural markets access; rail procurement; and financial services.
Trade relationship with China
The EU’s relationship with China was discussed over lunch. Discussion was dominated by the high-profile trade defence cases (solar panels and telecoms). The Commission was criticised for its handling of the cases. I and some others stressed the importance of maintaining a positive strategic partnership with China.
AOB: Bangladesh textiles factory collapse
Under AOB, France and the Netherlands introduced a joint paper on strengthening the sustainable development elements in FTAs and promoting EU action to improve labour standards in the garment industry. Denmark expressed support. The Commission (de Gucht) outlined its planned activities. The presidency undertook to make a public statement following the Council.
WTO ninth ministerial
There was not time for this agenda item.