State of play of Agriculture Negotiations

Ladies and Gentlemen:

As to the farm talks, I will be brief.

We have now entered the next phase of the negotiations. We have left useless procedural discussions behind and are engaging in serious discussions on substance, in different formations. The EU had a series of meetings, with the US, the G-21, our African friends, we had a working group meeting and a Green Room last night. All this should allow us to make headway.

Together with the facilitator, we had a useful meeting with the G-21. We are not so arrogant to believe that in the WTO it is enough if the the EU and the US cook up a deal. At the end, all the 146 have to sign up!

We have listened very carefully to the G-21 position. The meeting also gave me the opportunity to explain why there is much in the EU offer for the developing countries.

Some of the G-21 requests deserve serious consideration. This is what we are currently doing.

Some of their demands need better explanation. We have been confronted with requests which are already included in the Chair's text.

We are still awaiting suggestions for which farm products they want to see elimination of export subsidies. So far, we haven't got feedback on this.

I told the G-21 that we are ready to tackle our own trade obstacles. Rich countries clearly have to do more than developing countries. But we also expect the G-21 that they stand ready to address farm protectionism on their side. And to be frank, there the G-21 has shown no ambition at all.

We have shown flexibility, we are showing flexibility and we will show flexibilty in this process.

Without flexibility, without an effort on the other side, these talks will get very, very difficult.

Thank you.