EU countries reached an agreement on Wednesday (2 June) on the instrument first proposed in 2012 to ensure that European companies have access to third countries’ public procurement markets as foreign companies enjoy in Europe.
It is time to step up EU-US cooperation on trade - Latvian Foreign Ministry s parliamentary secretary 2021-05-21
Photo: politico.com
RIGA - In Brussels on May 20, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica took part in a EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on trade policy issues, LETA learned from the ministry.
At the center of attention were EU-US trade relations and developments related to the World Trade Organization (WTO) including preparations for the Twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12).
In speaking with the US Trade Representative (USTR) Catherine Tai, the Parliamentary Secretary commended the positive dynamic developing between the EU and the US on trade issues and underlined the significance of transatlantic relations, while calling for cooperation which will be closer and more coordinated.
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council, 17-18 May
Ministers will discuss about equity and inclusion in education and training, the European Universities initiative and participation of young people in decision-making processes. They will also focus on the sustainability of the creative sector, the Media and Audiovisual Action Plan and sport innovation.
Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 20 May
The Foreign Affairs Council/Trade will hold a meeting with International Procurement Instrument, conclusions on the Trade Policy Review and the EU-US trade relations in their agenda, among other subjects.
Special meeting of the European Council, 24-25 May
EU leaders will meet in Brussels to discuss EU s response to COVID-19, climate change and external relations
Foreign Affairs Council, Monday 10 May
EU ministers of foreign affairs will be briefed about current affairs and exchange views on Western Balkans and transatlantic relations.
General Affairs Council, Tuesday 11 May
The Council will prepare for the special European Council meeting on 25 May 2021. Ministers will also focus on COVID-19 EU coordination and the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, 17-18 May
Ministers will discuss about equity and inclusion in education and training, the European Universities initiative and participation of young people in decision-making processes. They will also focus on the sustainability of the creative sector, the Media and Audiovisual Action Plan and sport innovation.
Summary
China’s vast yet protected home market has allowed some of its firms to acquire a scale that provides them with significant advantages when they compete in other markets.
These firms are able to undercut European companies both in the EU and around the world, including in sectors key to Europe’s future economy and security, from energy to telecommunications.
The EU urgently needs to incorporate the concept and reality of this ‘protected home market advantage’ into its thinking on China.
Europe can defend its own industries by adopting an integrated policy approach, working with like-minded partners around the world, and even prising open closed parts of China’s domestic market.