Proposals for a mandate to the EU member States presented by trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström in Brussels. The abolition of customs duties on industrial goods, as well as the harmonisation of product standards will be targeted.
In the trade conflict with the United States, the EU Commission submitted its proposal for talks with Washington. Brussels to propose a “limited” trade agreement, said EU trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström in Brussels. She presented two proposals for a Directive for negotiations on a elimination of customs duties on industrial goods and the elimination of trade barriers with respect to regulatory Standards. On agricultural products the EU does not want to negotiate other than the U.S. side.
“Truce” by Trump and Juncker
The U.S. had imposed in the last year, punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum from Europe. US President, Donald Trump also threatened with surcharges on European cars, especially German manufacturers. In July, the EU agreed to Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and Trump weapons, then stood on a kind of “still” and preliminary interviews questions to trade. Trump announced then, to renounce for the time being to customs duties on cars from Europe. Since then, the US President, however, again several times for such a levy.
Skeptical looks, including: EU Commission President Juncker and President of the Trump on the 25. July in the White house
With the new proposal in Brussels to set the agreement Trumps and Juncker in July, said Malmström. So that the way be prepared, to achieve “two of the most important goals of” at the time of the two presidents adopted joint Declaration. The negotiating mandates must now agree the EU member States. The threat of US punitive duties on cars will not be but further from the table, said Malmström. The EU was prepared, in turn, as in the case of steel and aluminium duties respond to counter-measures.
The agricultural sector for the EU not a topic
Expressly Malmström said: “This is not a traditional, complete free trade agreement.” The conditions were not met. Rather, it seeks to achieve in each of the areas of rapid results.
Trump wants to extend trade talks with the EU on the agricultural sector, in order to capture a success for its supporters among the American farmers. Countries such as France with a strong farmers Lobby and reject the but categorically. The EU is in the question “very clear”, said Malmström. “Agriculture is not (in agreement).”
sti/fab (afp, dpa)