This morning in Brussels, ahead of the FOREIGN AFFAIRS TRADE COUNCIL (FAC TRADE), EPP FAC TRADE participants met, chaired by Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis DOMBROVSKIS and with participation also from Christophe HANSEN, the EPP Group in the European Parliament’s Coordinator for the International Trade Committee. Participants welcomed Simon COVENEY in his new role in the Irish government, serving since December 2022 as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. They also welcomed first-time Council participant Vasiliki LOIZOU, representing Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Secretary General for International Economic Affairs. European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis DOMBROVSKIS reported on progress in EU trade talks — including vis-à-vis the United States in the context of the upcoming 4th ministerial, on 30-31 May in Sweden, of the transatlantic Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The EPP supports the Commission’s work to ensure fair competition with American partners: including on crucial topics like critical minerals, steel and aluminium and ongoing issues related to the US’s Inflation Reduction Act. Also discussed were the risks as well as instruments involved in rebalancing EU trade relations with China. Participants reiterated the EPP’s support for fair and open, rules-based trade and urged the continuation of an ambitious EU trade agenda: to support the EU’s ongoing recovery, boost its long-term growth and strengthen its influence worldwide. The EPP continues to express its strong support for Ukraine, for protecting Europe’s food and energy security and for delivering on the EU’s crucial climate goals.


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For more information contact:

 

Alexandra Henman

Deputy Spokesperson

+32 471 90 76 84

alh@epp.eu

 

Angelos Athanasopoulos

National and Regional Press Director

+32 471 90 76 35

aa@epp.eu