The European Union commits itself to bilateralism

Endorsing a recent statement from the European Commission entitled “Competitive Europe in a globalized economy”, the EU Council of Ministers has pronounced in favour of new negotiations for free trade agreements (FTAs), in line with the WTO and more ambitious than existing agreements.

The Council is planning to open negotiations firstly with the ASEAN countries, India and South Korea, and then Russia and the Ukraine as soon as they become members of the WTO. The European Commission also recommends discussions with Central American countries and the members of the Andean Community.

The Council of Ministers has strongly insisted that the principle of transparency should guide all negotiations.

Following the example of the Council, WOAgri believes that bilateral agreements can be a positive step in the preparation of the “multilateral negotiations of tomorrow”. Agreements however must be acceptable to all parties. For this reason, it is essential that international negotiations be based on a comprehensive and realistic approach to agricultural issues. The economic model developed by WOAgri – New Agricultural Regulations (NAR) – will meet this demand.