Foreign Affairs Council, 13/05/2016 - Main results
Meeting information
Outcome of the Council meeting
List of A items, legislative deliberations, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 13 May 2016
List of A items, non-legislative activities, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 13 May 2016
Indicative programme - Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) of 13 May 2016
Provisional agenda, Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 13 May 2016
Trade negotiations with the United States
The Council reviewed developments in negotiations on TTIP, the transatlantic trade and investment partnership with the United States.
It acknowledged that important progress had been made in recent months, whilst much work remains before political negotiations can begin in earnest.
Trade agreement with Canada
The Council discussed a draft trade and investment agreement with Canada, the 'comprehensive economic and trade agreement' (CETA).
"Member states are very supportive of this agreement", Ms Ploumen said; "our aim is for it to be signed at an EU-Canada summit in October".
The Commission confirmed its intention to submit a proposal in June 2016 for signature of CETA.
Steel industry
The Council discussed the crisis in the steel industry, in the light of a communication from the Commission.
It assessed the challenges stemming from overcapacity at global level and a fall in demand, a surge in imports and unfair trading practices, and the consequent fall in prices. It considered the trade-related aspects of the Commission's communication, including how to modernise the EU's defences against unfair trade practices.
The Council called for technical work to proceed on these issues without delay.
WTO/Post-Nairobi
The Council discussed the way forward in the ongoing WTO negotiations in the light of the outcomes of the December 2015 ministerial conference in Nairobi.
It emphasised the importance of the WTO at the heart of a well-functioning, inclusive multilateral trading system and the EU's commitment to Doha Development Agenda issues. Ministers also stressed that new issues, such as digital trade, need to be added to the WTO agenda.
Topic(s):
Foreign affairs & international relations
Foreign Affairs Council: Other meetings
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Last reviewed on 13/05/2016
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