- “Um, well, so. As I told you, as I said, we are still waiting for some to be very clear, some some feedback from the Ukrainian side or some technical detail. So we have a draft text. But, uh, as you can imagine, there are schedules. We have some of the talks. We have a little bit modified for technical reasons. So we're waiting essentially for technical feedback. Uh, once we have that, we, we can launch the, uh, there needs to be a commission decision, which then would be, uh, put forward to council, uh, for adoption in the, uh, in the committee under the Dcfta. So we hope to be able to launch this commission decision adoption this week, which then would allow us to put forward a proposal next week. But it's essentially a matter of hours, days, I hope maybe with your help. Thank you.”
EU-Ukraine relations
- “So we think it's important to, um, to give ourselves the tools to help EU companies to, to, to increase or at least to, to maintain their, their current, their current market access. Uh, also because others are negotiating with these regions, the GCC has a very active, um trade negotiation agenda, the UAE even more um, we if we look at, as I mentioned, over timeline 1819, we were the first trading partner of of the whole region. We have slipped back a bit. So China has taken number one in the UAE, for instance. We have also been overtaken by India. So I think it's important that we, um we don't cut ourselves from, from this region, but it doesn't mean that we lower our ambition. And that's why we insisted very much on this. Um, and that's why we also start with the UAE. And that's the only decision that has been taken, because we think that the UAE is ready to take ambitious commitments with the union in terms of offensive and defensive, if I can put it like that. Um, interests in terms of goods, um, there's a range of sectors where we, um, we think it's very important. One of them, um, and also echoes a little bit of the rest of the trading agenda, if I can, um, or respond rather than echoes to the rest of the trading agenda is, uh, in agriculture and agri food.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Export of EU agri-food products · EU relations with United Arab Emirates
- “Indeed, because we, uh, that these member states would withdraw their national bands because we think that the outcome we have allows for that. Uh, on top of that, there were also a few questions on that. The safeguards, we think the safeguard is there to be used in case of need. That's why it's also a safeguard that allows for a lot of flexibility on the commission side. So we think if the need arises, we'll be able to use this very swiftly and very efficiently. And so for us, the tools are all on the table to to solve this, this issue of the of the national bans. And again, we don't agree with the fact that it will not be a useful tool. Um, maybe, maybe one more thing and then Elizabeth will come in on the on the impact assessment. I think that indeed, there has been no impact assessment that we have three years of ATM. So we have seen, um, how this has worked. We had DG agri has very, um, specific data monitoring market on a daily basis. I think we know very well what is sensitive, what is not sensitive and how much the EU domestic matic can can take. And this is maybe something that Elizabeth will explain better than, than than I can thank you.”
GMOs
- “Um, in order to assess that the best possible way, we have conducted a call for evidence. We have received 111 replies and we are aware of. Therefore, we're very well aware of the sensitivities of different stakeholders of the EU in this regard. Um, the outcome of this process, um, as we also told you, I think, um, pushes us on balance closer to the Dcfta quotas rather than the current levels of trade fully liberalise trade. So this is a bit the spirit in which we are working. Um, in doing so, we are also taking into account, um, what we could call the cumulative effect of just concluded negotiations are still ongoing negotiations, just to mention Mercosur and India. So these are of course also important elements in our in the overall assessment. Um, I think what's very important to stress, and I would like to date today is this, um, that the reciprocal liberalisation that we are looking at is, um, in our view, a bridge to the accession process. And this is also a major difference when we compare traditional trade negotiations in the framework of an FTA. With these we are currently having with the Ukraine, because this we should see it and we see it as a as a step towards accession.”
EU enlargement · EU-Ukraine relations
- “The president, our president, president von der Leyen, emphasized the EU's strong track record of delivering high standards, trade agreements and building partnerships based on open and multilateral open trade and mutual benefits. In that spirit, the upcoming negotiations will focus on liberalising trade in goods, services and investment while deepening cooperation in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical raw materials. President von der Leyen expressed confidence that both sides can move swiftly and with ambition. So DG trade is now preparing the launch of these FTA negotiations in this regard. The Commission has submitted last week on the 8th of May, negotiating directives that will replace the ones from 2001 on FTA negotiations with the GTC. While the EU, UAE is committed to free trade and strengthening its position as a major trade hub, it also has its defensive interests. Looking at the numerous FTAs they have signed or are in the process of signing. Pragmatism has been often trumping ambition. We will therefore have to engage in these negotiations with a clear sense of our priorities. It said contacts will also continue with other GCC partners to assess their interest and willingness to take ambitious and comprehensive commitments. Um, so there's nothing particular to signal. But of course, there are also in parallel with the strategic Partnership Agreement proposal that's been put forward, there's a lot of dialogue at different levels with all the GCC countries.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Sourcing of critical raw materials · EU relations with United Arab Emirates
- “Um, let's say winning with, with this approach. So on top of the production standards, there is the, the issue of the safeguard clause that is familiar to you also from, from the ATMs. So we're looking we think we need also, um, such a safeguard clause in that we would build into the Dcfta. Um, this is also something that Ukraine is discussing with us. So they I think they understand that we might have a need for such a clause and that, um, the trigger could be, as we have in some other pieces, a regional issue that could also arise in one or several member states. So this is something we are we are discussing constructively with them. Then maybe the last point, um, is, um, since it's a it's a trade negotiation and not an autonomous act, there's also concessions we are looking at from from Ukraine. And this is also something we are aware that Ukraine is ready to envisage. And we are discussing in terms of timing. Um, of course you mentioned it. Time is slowly running out and in likelihood we will not be able to finalize, um, these talks before the ATMs run out next month. And that is why, um, on the 8th of May. Also last week, the commission, um, shared with the European Parliament and member states a draft implementing regulation to allow imports from Ukraine to continue under preferential conditions until we have revised the Dcfta, and thereby we are ensuring a smooth transition from the autonomous trade measures when these expire on 5th of June.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “And therefore, there are of course, other questions that that can and should be raised. And um, the main one in this regard for us is the question of progressive or let's say gradual additional alignment, because there's already a significant amount of alignment of when it comes to you and your production standards for agricultural products. And this is particularly the case, um, of course, for, for products like poultry or eggs. And because they are an accession path and, and fully aware of the importance of this topic both economically and politically, I think Ukraine is ready to engage and has engaged with us on this topic, and we are working on a solution with them that would allow to condition additional liberalization. Uh, on, on uh, looking at the current Dcfta to the in the Dcfta, so additional liberalisation compared to those, um, to condition them to increasing um, alignment to EU production standard and thus EU relevant EU law. So this allows us to see this negotiation and this this talk as mutually reinforcing. So they reinforce the accession path of, of Ukraine. They I think they will also hopefully um, help to um. To address some of the questions that have been asked to Ukraine, uh, in terms of, um, level playing field when it comes to, uh, production of agricultural products. And we think this is really something where both parties can and should come out.”
EU enlargement · Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “Um, the just a word. Maybe on the strategic partnership agreements. Um, we'll see what. Um, so as I said, the strategic partnership agreement have been put forward to all as bilateral agreements to all GCC countries. They contain in their, let's say, in their concept also trade title but a non preferential trade title. Um, so depending on the ambition we will see or find in the different GCC countries, will then decide what avenue is more worth pursuing if there is scope for an FTA or not, but the offer of enhancing relations via a strategic partnership agreement that contains a non preferential trade title is on the table. Um, yes. I think, um, maybe just one last point to add for for to complete the picture. Um, in addition to this envisaged negotiations, um, we also continue to spur business to business cooperation. In the meantime through uh, the EU, GCC economic diversification project. Um, and for instance, in this framework, we have now set up the first EU chamber of commerce in Riyadh, uh, last May. So May 24th. And we're looking at, uh, what other options there are in the Gulf to expand EU trade interests and a lot of other EU companies that are interested to work on these markets. Um, yes, I think I can leave it here and then maybe try to to answer your question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”
Asia-Pacific · EU relations with Gulf countries
- “The GCC maintains significant reservations on key European requests, um, just to mention a few public procurement investment, export duties or sustainable development. To discuss this and take this conversation forward, the Commissioner also engaged with both the GCC secretary general and Saudi Arabia's Trade minister. Um, while we have not been able to make any concrete headway, um, we decided both parties decided to continue these talks and to see, nevertheless, whether something would be feasible. So on this, let's say the regional track, um, we tried to resume discussions. They were of exploratory nature. And so far, um, they did not allow us to conclude that we could we could resume the FTA, FTA negotiations, but they will continue this exploratory talks. Um, that said, we at the regional level, we think we don't. Only there's not only the the FTA angle, there's also the the regional trade and investment dialogue that we have set up. Um. Some time ago, and it was decided at the summit to expand. And these, um, this dialogue will be expanded to regulatory cooperation, um, to restrict restrictive measures and implementation. I'm talking about EU sanctions circumvention, which is, of course, an important topic to be discussed with the region, as well as the protection of intellectual property rights, including geographical indications. So we are looking forward to the next meeting of this dialogue in in the coming months.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Intellectual property rights (IPR) · EU relations with Gulf countries
- “So this will, um, hopefully be be launched concretely in the coming weeks. Um, then maybe just to say, of course, with these, um, I think I mentioned briefly the business, um, the business aspect we have, uh, as in Kuwait tomorrow, um, the GCC Business Forum, this is almost an annual, um, annual happening where we try to concretely help our companies to meet and to explore avenues for, um, for potential cooperation. Um, I think it's also I should have started maybe with this, uh, while we are trying to reinforce our relationship both at the regional and bilateral level, of course, the the trade relations are already very significant and are expanding as we speak. So these these trade agreements, potential trade agreements will, of course, be there to, to help sustain these, um, this clear interest on both sides to, to join forces. Um. I think that's uh, I think as way of introduction, I would leave it at that and of course, very much looking forward to listening to your your panelists. Thank you very much.”
Asia-Pacific · EU relations with Gulf countries
- “So, um, and actually, as we speak, the commissioner is flying to commissioner is flying to Kuwait for a new GCC business forum, and he will probably also have, uh, Um, interaction with the GCC Secretary-General to um to further this, this discussions. Um, then we have um on on the bilateral side, um, as also endorsed by the the summit we um, have from our side, uh, shown an interest, um, indicate an interest to engage bilaterally with GCC member states that, um, have similar that share a level of ambition for FTAs with us. Um, so this has led to an opening FTA negotiations with the UAE. Um, you know, we have had now by now, three, three rounds of negotiations. I think there's there's a good we're having good progress. Um, of course, some difficulties remain, but I think looking at, um, the pace at which we are advancing and the, um, the willingness to discuss also the more difficult issues, um, we can be, um, optimistic as to the ability to to conclude this negotiation. Um, then I think you mentioned, um, also strategic partnership agreements, as you know, um, we are finalizing our textual proposals. The idea is really in the strategic partnership agreements that we put forward to all six GCC members to to be, um, not a one size, not a one size fits all approach, but having a dialogue with the GCC countries individually to see what, um, would be in our common interest to, to further develop.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU relations with Gulf countries · EU relations with United Arab Emirates
- “Thank you very much, chair. And, um, thank you much for all the panelists and of course, all the interventions. Um, I think this was a very interesting, um, exchange. Um, it will certainly feed into our, our own reflection and work. Um, of course, I mean, the kind of issues we have we've tackled are very diverse. So I will not go into them in great detail. I just want to say, of course, some of the issues might be good in the future that we we also discuss them in the presence of other Commission services or the eeaS, because of course they while I note what the last speaker said in her concluding remarks, nevertheless think that some are clearly beyond beyond the trade remit. And as trade representative, I'll try to to to focus on them. I think one point that was made, um, um, I think it's clear that we negotiate, um, within the parameters of existing EU law. I think Cbam was mentioned several times is indeed something we hear a lot when talking to, um, to GCC countries. Um, it's clear that, uh, we, we make it very clear that EU legislation is there to stay and needs to be respected. And we certainly don't, um, entertain the idea that this could in some way or another modified or could see an evolution.”
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) · Free trade agreements (FTAs)
- “So the region, um, is also very active in their own negotiations, FTA negotiations. We see this with the UAE in particular, but also the GCC has a very active FTA agenda. And so I think it's important for the EU to be, um, to be fully sighted on this, um, and, and take it into account in our own dealings, um, which is a way to say that, um, I think there are certain things we can do with FTA. We want to create a framework, a better framework for our operators, better framework for overall EU interests. But, um, we are not operating in a, in a vacuum, if I can put it like that. I think on the renewable energy, I it's very clearly one of the main interests we, we try to pursue in these negotiations or in the, in the talks overall. And indeed there is clearly a strong interest from in the Gulf for EU technology and cooperation in this in this field and we try to maximise this as much as possible. Um, I think I want to leave it at that. Uh, this, this occasion, I understand we will have more, uh, more specific discussions in other another forum in the, in the coming weeks and months. Thank you very much.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU relations with Gulf countries · EU relations with United Arab Emirates
- “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The members? Yes. Um, we are pleased to announce that you have seen it, that there is an agreement in principle with Ukraine on the review of the tariff liberalisation under article 29. And as you will have seen, this has been announced by both commissioners and Hansen on the 30th of June. Um, so you said that you don't have entire clarity, and indeed we are still finalising some of the technical details. That's why the text is not available. But I think the main, the main features, um, have been published and we are happy to to explain, explain them. So the agreement in principle covers all three main elements that we have been setting out here. So market access of course, on which Elisabetta will walk you through. Protection standards and safeguards. Um, we believe that the negotiations have resulted in a good balance. One that allows us to provide support to Ukraine and liberalise trade for non-sensitive products such as whole milk powder, fermented milk, mushrooms and grape juice. But it also is an improvement on the Dcfta tax for sensitive products while moderating the peaks in imports reached during the ATM years. So I'll leave Elizaveta to to walk you through them, um, in line. So I'll say a word on, on production standards and and the safeguards. So in line with the accession process perspective, Ukraine has agreed to align to important EU production standards on areas such as animal welfare, veterinary medicines, feed additives and plant protection products or pesticides.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and members. Um, I we will check what happened. Um, we thought this had been communicated to to the secretariat that we, uh, we had adopted. Commissioner had adopted his proposal. And as I said, I in my understanding, also, the commissioner, when he was last year, mentioned that we were envisaging this. So I and the JTC summit you referred to, I think set out a little bit the ambition that we saw. So I hope that the surprise is not, not, not, um, not that great, I think. Um, I'll try to reply to some of the questions, maybe starting with the last one, uh, where the member referred to to dependencies. I think if there's anything we want to do is indeed part a core part of what trade policy is trying to achieve is to reduce dependencies and Uh, diversify. Um, our range of partners. I think this is one of the main drivers of the FTA agenda that was referred to. Um, so I think the fact that we are trying to diversify our trade links, multiply them, I think is very clearly the main driver. Then I think I also referred to it, we see especially in this region, it's a very dynamic region where a lot of other third countries are becoming more active.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Asia-Pacific · Sourcing of critical raw materials
- “I think we are in a very political, um, uh, process. And we need to be aware of sensitivities where they are. So we believe that the outcome of article 29 will help address this issue, which is, I think, clearly a problem of this national event. But this can only be done, uh, I think once the conditions are met to, um, um, to, to to tackle this. So, um. On the automatic safeguards just to, to to clarify, there will be no automatic safeguards in this agreement. So there will be, uh, jointly agreed tax. So basically there will be quantities fixed with, together with the Ukrainians, but there will be no nothing like automatic safeguards. Yeah. Automatic safeguards as we call them in the ATMs. So just say the safeguard that there will be there will be, uh, for if there's destabilization in one or several member states. Uh, so an issue that we had had to face. So we need an instrument to tackle this and to reassure those member States who are afraid that this could be repeated, but there will be no automatic safeguards, uh, for the EU. Um, I think I'll leave to I probably have forgotten a lot of things, but I probably want to go into some more detail.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. And indeed, maybe not to be too repetitive. That's why Elisabetta joined me. So you get a second echo? No, but just to took a side just really to to underline, um, that DG trade is working very closely together with each other. And I would really like to thank Elisabetta Siracusa, director in DG agri, for international affairs, for for this negotiation, because we are really doing them together with the Ukrainian delegation that is also composed of a Deputy Minister for trade, Mr. Kasuga, that you know well, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Mr. Casanova, um, so you mentioned it, Mr. Chair. The autonomous trade measures expired on the 5th of June and the day after the transitional measures started to apply, which reactivate the original Dcfta talks on a pro-rata basis, applied on a first come, first served basis. So I think, of course, we fully understand and share the sense of and the need for speed in these negotiations, but we are not in a legal vacuum. There is a Dcfta quantities being made available to to Ukraine and they are being used. So as you also mentioned, Mr. Chair, consultations under article 29 formally started on the 2nd of June. We have had almost daily talks, um, so far, which will actually continue after this meeting. Um, and I'm happy to report that, um, I think they, um, they're being conducted in a very good, uh, atmosphere, constructive spirit, um, and the shared sense of getting close as quickly as possible to an agreed outcome.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Indeed. So we are currently. In discussions with Moldova on this article 147, which is the equivalent for Moldova of the 29 with Ukraine. Uh, we have had um several meetings almost daily over the last two weeks also. The deputy prime Minister, minister and Gerasimov were in Brussels last week to meet with Commissioners Shevchuk and Hansen. So we hope to be able to. Let's let's express the wish that we can we can maybe finish these talks this week. I think we are very close. Essentially, the elements on which we are, which we are negotiating are essentially the same. Of course, they have a different magnitude because looking at the product categories we are discussing, I think there are just seven categories when it comes to to Moldova. The the impact of the on the EU is of course very different. Uh, we have progressed quite a lot over the last two weeks. And as I said, I think we hope that we can, uh, finalize these talks this week. We hope. I mean, I shouldn't say this here, but let's.”
EU-Moldova relations
- “And this with a timetable until 2028, um, at that date, if the EU assesses, um, so let's say the the concessions we have put forward a given, um, up front. Um, so they are given an entry into force, but in case in 28, we assess that the alignment that Ukraine has committed to is not satisfactory. Uh, we, the commission, the EU, keeps the right to reverse all or some of the preferences, the additional preferences granted in the review following consultations with Ukraine. So there will be a process of, um, assessment of how the production standards have been implemented. There will be exchanges on this reporting by Ukraine and, and the discussion, uh, if necessary. I just want to underline that this is a reflection of one of the main demands by by EU stakeholders. The the outcome of the review also contains a strong safeguard, one that is modeled as we had set out on the EU, UK or EEA agreement. Um, so it can be activated in case additional inputs cause serious difficulties, either in the EU as a whole or on the market of one or several member states. This is actually also the case for Ukraine. Should there be so it's a safeguard that can be used by both parties. We believe that it was important to have this safeguard, given the possible logistical challenges that might still arise and who it could lead to the concentration of imports in some of EU member states to reflect the dynamic nature of our bilateral trade.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “We have also agreed to have a review clause. This clause will kick in after we have assessed the alignment on the production standards. So this will, of course, be an important part of of what we will take into account when this review date kicks in. On on grain and sugar. We have also agreed that you will explore measures to support Ukrainian exporters reach their traditional markets in third countries, and we are currently exploring how best to do this and what form these tools could take. So as I mentioned at the outset, we are in the last days of stabilising some of the details, but the building blocks are very much these, and especially the market access elements are already stable and Elisabetta will walk you through it. So let me just maybe add because you finish with this, Mr. Chair, also that the transitional measures are in place. So at the moment we are trading on the basis of the Dcfta talks. But we hope, of course, to put this agreed outcome onto the books as quickly as possible. So we believe this is, um, overall a very successful outcome for both parties. One that demonstrates our collective support for Ukraine, while also taking into account the sensitivities we have seen clearly over the last years. Thank you. So with your agreement.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “But as you refer to, Mr. Chairman, um, and in line with the joint summit statement, the EU also signalled its signalled its readiness to negotiate tailor made bilateral agreements. This would include FTAs with GCC countries that share the EU levels of ambition. We see such bilateral FTAs as potential building blocks for a future regional so region to region FTA as you were. The UAE in particular expressed an interest in launching negotiations on a free trade agreement and that already some years ago, we have been holding exploratory talks with them to, to assess, um, to scope a little bit what could be, um, potential ambitious free trade agreement. I think the conclusion was that it should be possible there was scope to to launch negotiations successfully, with a view to concluding such a comprehensive and ambitious agreement. Maybe something that's important to recall for the for the UAE, but also more generally for the region is that, of course, we already have quite a good market share. Chair. It's looking at the UAE, it's actually expanding. Um, but we if you look at back a few years ago to the last decade, 1819, we've actually lost ground to notably the Chinese but also other players. So we think that, um, in order to to increase our market share in the, in the UAE, but also more widely in the Gulf, it's worth envisaging, um, envisaging, uh, such a negotiation of an agreement. And that is why on the 10th of April, president von der Leyen and President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, agreed to launch negotiations on an FTA between the EU and the UAE.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU relations with Gulf countries · EU relations with United Arab Emirates
- “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. The honourable members, thank you for the invitation. And I happily share all my knowledge with you now, um, and for all that, I don't know, I have my colleagues with me. So do you. Let me start. Maybe with the regional track that that you referred to the EU joint communication on the strategic partnership with the Gulf in May 22nd, and the joint statement that of the EU GCC summit that you just referred to set out a comprehensive agenda for an enhanced Eu-uk trade and investment relation. The summit statement commits both parties to develop their trade relationship through multilateral, regional and bilateral frameworks and to explore tailor made agreements supporting trade and investment. The Commission is fully committed to advance the regional trade and investment relationship with the GCC in line with these objectives. We are therefore working both with the GCC as a region as well as with individual GCC countries Um, in order to enhance our our relationship and to deepen the relationship on the regional track. Um, as you're well aware, there are negotiations that started more than 30 years ago, so older than Mercosur, um, were halted back in 2008. And we have resumed now exploratory talks to see whether the situation that got us to this suspension of, uh, of negotiations has changed. Um, and whether we can there is a scope to, to resume negotiations with a view to concluding them. Um, the contacts we have had so far, um, allowed us to compare respective levels of ambition for such a possible regional level engagement in our talks.”
EU relations with Gulf countries
- “And so for the products that were already identified as particularly sensitive for less sensitive products, more substantial increases of the current volumes can be considered and are being considered. This could, for instance, relate to cereals, processed products, starches, selected dairy products and others. The discussions with Ukraine, as I mentioned over the past weeks, has been very intense. Ukraine had high starting ambitions, seeking full liberalisation with only a limited number of exceptions or at least further increase above recent trade volumes. But as mentioned, positions have started to converge. On the on the possible additional level of liberalisation. And we're slowly starting to see the contours of a of a of an agreement. Um, maybe a word on timing. Uh, of course, we try to, uh, finalize these negotiations as quickly as possible. And I think this sense is, of course, shared by by Ukraine. Um, we are preparing in parallel the commission proposal for council decision under article 218, paragraph nine, that would empower the Commission to agree on the final outcome of this article 29 process inside the EU Ukraine Trade Committee, as foreseen by the Dcfta. So our ambitious objective is to have everything in place by the end of July, so that the transitional regime can be replaced by the new Dcfta regime. Um, I think I'll leave it here for the time being. I don't know if Elisabetta wants to to add anything at this. Thank you, Mr. Chair.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “Ukraine has already started aligning and it has a very ambitious path towards full alignment in this in this area. So the aim of this production standards logic is to establish a process of regular reporting by Ukraine about its gradual compliance with these production standards, and to set a deadline by which Ukraine will comply with those. If, at the end of this process, Um. Everything is fine. Then of course, the preferences will remain. But in case there is a problem and Ukraine is found not to comply with the production standards, the relevant additional preferences that we will be that we are currently negotiating in the article 29 process could be, um, suspended until compliance has been established. On safeguards, we intend to provide for robust, robust, sorry mechanism that allows to take appropriate measures with respect to preferences granted in the article 29 process in case of difficulties in either of the parties. So it applies, of course, to both. Unlike the ATMs, we could of course only apply to the EU and in case for the EU this would be either the EU, but could also be single member states, single or several member states. Um, I want to underline that Ukraine signalled its readiness to Positively address progressive alignment with production standards and also a robust, robust safeguard clause.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “So that's why also it's very difficult to estimate what, what would the potential. Financial impact be? First of all, because we of course we don't have an agreement yet on the outcome. And the second, because there were of course, also other markets for, for for Ukrainian products. That said, it's true, of course, that um, and I think it's important also to underline it that the EU is clearly, um, um, has a very large surplus in exporting to, to Ukraine. Um, and this is something that we, uh, should, should have in mind. Of course, it's in, in a lot of sectors. So here the big differences here that we are discussing only agricultural tax because this is essentially what is left as uh as non liberalised. Um, maybe a word on the um, uh, on the import bans. Uh, we know that, uh, that some, some member states have introduced, we know this is a very sensitive topic. And that's why also we're trying to address with article 29. We try to find a way in which trade over time, and will go hand in hand with the accession process of Ukraine. And this will also, uh, increase the acceptance of, of of this process.”
EU enlargement · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “So there will not be there will be no cliff edge, there will be we we create certainty as to, um, the trade that will be able to continue. And, um, we will ensure that, of course, we will speed up. We'll try to speed up these negotiations, ensure that, uh, the the outcome comes into force as soon as possible after the 5th of June. But in any case, there is a buffer. Um, since the Ukraine will be able to access these, um, these trqs. Um, so the draft, to be more specific, the draft implementing regulation proposes to reintroduce, um, all current Dcfta, uh Trqs on a pro-rata basis. So seven since there seven months left, um, seven 12th of the yearly volume will be made available as of the 6th of June. So this is of course, just again, a short term transitional import regime, um, that will be applicable until the result of the ongoing negotiations. Um, will be in force. And this is clearly a priority to to conclude them as soon as possible. But unfortunately we are not there yet. Um, I think that's all that I can say. Thank you.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “This is not, um, a hard signal of lack of support to, to Ukraine. I think, uh, some of this was mentioned, the commission, the EU member states, parliament, I think there is strong support for um and continued strong support for Ukraine in all possible areas. Um, I don't want to mention now the financial support and so on, but I think we have a long term interest that the support is also present in our member states, especially if we think about the accession prospect. And so I think it's important that we address issues where they are sensitivities when they when they come up. And this is what we are trying to do in these talks. And again, I want to stress, I think Ukraine is really, um, very forthcoming in our discussions. So it's not I don't think that there is a sense that, um, we are refusing to engage or that we want to punish Ukraine. I think both parties, as I tried to say that, have an interest that this can be agreed in the best possible way for both parties. Then it was not mentioned here. But I want to to, to to echo maybe to comment on something that was in the Financial Times this morning because I guess this has made the round. It's the value, let's say, of the of what Ukraine is losing. We think this, this number that was, was given the 3.5 billion is really a misrepresentation of the situation.”
EU enlargement · EU-Ukraine relations
- “Um, we hope to there's no timeline as such, because we hope to finalize these negotiations as early as possible. If this month, if possible, next month at the latest. So I think there will be clearly from our side, full availability to negotiate this quickly so that the transition is as short as possible. But that said, um, as indicated. So we introduce now quotas 712 of the quotas of the Dcfta as of the 6th of June. Most of them will be accessible immediately, all of them. So actually there will be no in June. There will be no disruption of any trade. Um, so but but I let Frank go into more detail maybe on this, but it's not true that now it's sometimes it sounds like we pushed them off the off the cliff, the Ukrainians off the cliff. This is not what's going to happen. And that's why we introduced this, um, this, this, this FTA, uh trqs this pro-rata arrangement so that they can as far as possible, there's no disruption in trade. Um, and that we have time to quickly agree on a follow up setup. So, um, if then we this enters into force in June, we can have it maybe in July. So end of July. So the Dcfta implementing act would be in place. Just just a very short time frame. And this is the idea. It's really a transition scheme also um, if I may to to three remarks, um, it sounds like this is again, so this is not a punishment.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “But of course, it has done so, underlining the need for it to be part of a balanced and comprehensive approach overall, including, of course, market access on market access. Our initial positions with Ukraine were, as you know, understandably very far apart with Ukraine, considering the autonomous trade measures that that lapsed as the basis for the expectations to gradually, uh, potentially even increase trade. Whereas I think on on the EU side, our logic was more to build on Dcfta talks and, um, increase. Um, the talks were possible. Um, and as far as possible, um, but I think over us now, as you mentioned, the 2nd of June, so more than three weeks of negotiations. I think we have managed to gradually start converging. And I think we are on, on a good on a good track to eventually, um, deliver an outcome that is agreeable to both parties. Um, in our approach on market access, we wanted to treat products according to their relative sensitivity. So it's been um, therefore also a very, um, detailed discussion on different product categories and sensitivities on the EU market. Uh, and this has allowed us to, I think, also indeed converge because we, we were able to explain some of the of the sensitivity sensitivities or difficulties we face in the EU. Uh, some of the very sensitive products, um, we believe should only benefit from a limited increase of Dcfta tracks. Um, this category would entirely be built around the automatic safeguards we already had in the ATMs.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “Thank you. Should I reply to this one first? So, um, as you know, for an FTA, we have we need an authorisation by the council and then we have the negotiating directives when it comes to the authorisation, um, we have the one I refer to. So the mandate and authorisation to negotiate the FTA with the GCC as a regional bloc. But actually it's, um, it's a, it's a mandate that allows for, for flexibility, which would allow also for bilateral negotiations. And that's why but to to say to accompany this process and to make clear, uh, how we want to go about indeed, we adopted last week a new set of negotiations negotiating framework. I think on the 8th of May we have. So it's last week. So that's why we also here to, to to to present this to you and to the council in parallel.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU relations with Gulf countries
- “It's a pleasure to be here. No, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Indeed. I, um, we have had the occasion to try and address this question several occasions today. Just to mention, I'm here also with colleagues from from DG agri, who will, of course, with whom we are very closely working on, on this file since the only opened yakuza agriculture talks. So we gave them a more detailed overview of the EU, Ukraine trade relationship in general and the autonomous trade measures last time. So I think it's indeed no, there's no need to enter into this today. And I focused us on the article 29 related issue. Um, you will not be surprised. I hope to hear that we are working very intensely on this article and, um, are in very close contact also with Ukrainian colleagues on this. Just to recall, maybe nevertheless very important for us is that our objective is to ensure a smooth transition from the current regime to the new liberalized Dcfta regime. So at the end of the autonomous trade measures, the logic is to move from short term unilateral regime with the objective of supporting a country at war to a long term reciprocal regime which supports the accession process. We have therefore, um, two primary objectives. The first one is to agree on a framework for long term economic certainty and stable trade between the EU and Ukraine, and while doing so, we need to take into account the sensitivities of the EU agrifood sector and the concerns raised by EU member states.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “Our assessment is that the value of the ATMs is more around 1.5 billion. So it's less than half of what's being mentioned. But that said, I think what's important is that the Ukraine does not only have the EU as a trading partner. So I think sometimes it feels like if we don't fully liberalise, then there is immediately a problem for Ukraine. I give you one example. The sugar trqs have kicked in have kicked in. Some months ago. But Ukraine was actually the month after I think that they kicked in. Ukraine had the biggest export by month on sugar that they ever had. So it's not. There are also other markets. Of course it's price issue, but the EU is not the only market for Ukraine. So say slightly restricting. And we don't know what the final agreement will look like. I mean this is also an important thing I want to stress. We don't know what the. Because there is no agreement. So it's a bit premature to to conclude, but just to say, even if there was a restriction and it's likely that it would be more limited than what we have now. There are also other markets that Ukraine is very competitive on and will be able to export as we as we continue seeing. Um, yes, I think that's what I want to say. I don't know that Frank wants to compliment.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations
- “But for the rest, there's no, no obvious, um, defensive, uh, interest that we have in terms of energy. I mentioned that this is, of course, in these countries, also in Saudi Arabia and others, there's a lot of a lot of renewable energies being developed. Indeed. Um, of all types, this is something we want to be able to cooperate with. Our companies are often very competitive and interested to, to to work there to enhance their presence there. And indeed, this is something we also want to to work on regulatory cooperation with them and see how, um, how to increase this, this partnerships. So this is very clearly part of what we're looking for. Um, yeah, I think I hope I replied to digital sorry on digital. Yes. Digital will be part of of the of the negotiations we foresee to include horizontal regulatory disciplines applying to trade enabled by electronic means to ensure predictability and legal certainty. I think on services also, it's um, it's a field where, um, I think the UAE is uh, is reasonably open. There are some services. More generally, there are some clear offensive interests by EU providers. So we want to to explore them, explore them further. Um, I think that's all that I can say at this stage.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU relations with United Arab Emirates
- “Thank you, Mr. Chair. Maybe I start with Moldova for once. Um, so, um, I think some some some of the speakers, uh, recalled that, um, the summit that took place a few weeks ago, um, between you and Moldova. And I think it was a very clear signal of support to Moldova. And I think this is very much the spirit in which we also are working with our Moldovan colleagues to try and find this, um, uh, agreed outcome on the basis of, um, the Dcfta. I mentioned before that, um, the Prime Minister for EU integration and Deputy Prime Minister for economy were here last week, met with our commissioners or commissioners. And, and I think we think we are really very close to, to finding this balance. And we hope that we can, um, finalize this agreement in the days to come. But, um, I think we certainly fully subscribe to all the all that has been said in In need of. In terms of support that the EU should provide to to Moldova at this juncture. Um so on on Ukraine. Let me maybe, uh, comment on a few issues that were said, and Lizaveta will for sure compliment and correct me if needed. Um, on the review clause, I think there was a question from the from Miss Rapporteur. I think we'll have to see what in what the situation will be like in 2028.”
EU-Moldova relations · EU-Ukraine relations
- “We of course hope that everything will be, um, also thanks to the revised outcome we have now that things will have stabilised will be much more, um, smooth. I mean, you will remember when we introduced the ATMs, I think there was a very large support across all political parties, essentially. Um, we have seen that this has led to difficulties. We have tried to address these difficulties. We think that what we have agreed, and I think it's very important also to underline that ATMs were unilateral measures. This is an agreed outcome. So this is also something that, um, it took us a bit of time, of course, but we have come, we think, to. To a good outcome. One that caters for our sensitivities. The farmers has been a lot of mentioning the farmers, and I think this was really very much at the centre of our thinking, but also, uh, allowing this trade to continue flowing with Ukraine. Um, so again, we think it's a good outcome. We think it's an outcome that caters for both the needs on both sides, including the neighbouring countries. And we proved to be we hope to be proven right in the coming years. Um, hopefully before um, I think there was a few questions on the, on the national bands. Um, I'd like to quote maybe my commissioner on this. I think when he when announcing the agreement, he said that he would expect this now to be solved.”
Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
- “Thank you Mister Chair and and thank you. I would like to first of all thank all the political groups that have intervened and of course first of all Miss Miss Rapporteur and and the shadows for the very large support for this measure that I sense in this committee. This is of course very encouraging for us. It's good to see that we share the objective that we want this regulation to carry. I think I can be very brief. I understood that there is indeed a lot of pragmatism and constructive spirit so I think this will allow us to find quite quickly hopefully a lending zone together with of course the inter committee and the Council. There were a lot of speakers mentioned the product scope which is indeed also in the Council being discussed in great detail. I think it's important we hear of course your call for looking quickly at this issue of derivatives which we agree is an important one and that's why it's also something we have foreseen in this regulation. But as Ms Rabota mentioned that she was not entirely happy with the Commission's approach in preparing this proposal and not indeed having an impact assessment although I think we have with the safeguard a lot of experience and staff working document a lot of elements for economic analysis. What's important here the product the derivatives is a very sensitive issues because we need to make sure that we know what we are doing and potentially we see this with the US as Sam mentioned this the way the US go about derivatives you can quite easily expand beyond a reasonable realm what is indeed a still derivative and you can hamper also our economy. So I think it's important that before we want to do this we are ready to do this. I think we just need to look at the timeline which allows us to properly assess what we put forward to the call legislators on this file but otherwise I would really like to thank all of you on behalf of the Commission for the spirit that we can work together on this file and I can leave it there. Thank you very much.”
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) · Carbon leakage support
- “Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, and honourable members, dear colleagues. So I'll just say a few words of introduction in the way we frame our relations with with the Gulf. So I think you referred to it, first of all, as the Joint Communication on Strategic Partnership with the Gulf of May 2022. And of course, a very important pillar is the GCC summit and its statement took place, GCC summit that took place in October last year, and its statement that sets out a comprehensive agenda for enhancing EU, GCC trade and investment relations. Um, so we have several strands and that were all endorsed in this summit statement. So as you will know, we have the longest still pending, um, FTA negotiations. So the GCC um, track I think there was a clear commitment to see how this could be revived, if I can put it like that. So we have had several exchanges with the DCC chief negotiators to see where we stand to explain the development when it comes on the EU side to FTA policy. Um, notably, of course, the novelties, which in this particular case would be, um, energy and raw materials, which have of course become an important part of our trade agreement, but also trade and sustainable development. So we we are actually in the process of discussing and explaining our, our respective, um, uh, perspectives on this issue and see how we can bridge bridge potential, potential gaps.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Sourcing of critical raw materials · EU relations with Gulf countries
- “I think this is a region that's very, Much not self-sufficient. Importing a lot of food and agricultural products. We have seen that they are also negotiating with some third countries that produce these these these products. And so I think it's important that we are able to compete with them in this very important market for us. Um, indeed. Um, I think I would be too long to make a full list of our offensive interests, but if we look at our main export, um, its machinery, its cars, um, its agri food, as I mentioned, um, it's. So let's say we will, of course, try to, to enhance that. There are tariffs on most of these, even if they're not very high. But given that others like Australia and New Zealand have also been negotiating with them, um, we think it's worth, uh, getting these tariffs to, to, to zero. So in terms of defence, if we don't have an obvious defensive interest, Dressed. The main export commodity beyond hydrocarbons of the UAE is is aluminium. So this is something of course, we at the moment, um, UAE is our third biggest, um, provider of aluminium, um, after Norway and Iceland. So this is something we of course, um, have to look at.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Export of EU agri-food products · EU relations with United Arab Emirates
- “So this is we we of course negotiate within current EU law and it needs to be fully respected. Then on the I think the in the question on, on on the leverage, it's clear that um when we go for an FTA, we will comply with our the policies we set out um, to, to do. And this is of course, also the particular the case here of the trade and sustainable development policy. We have um, we have not to go into too much detail. Of course, these are difficult discussions we are having on these issues. But, um, I'm encouraged to, to, to hear what what was said by the ILO, notably on this. There is, um, questions that we put on the table and uh, which we probably would not be discussing in the same way without an FTA negotiation. So I think this is something we should, uh, be aware of. Then, if I may add, and I maybe shouldn't do it, But of course, such an FDA is there to enhance trade. But it doesn't create trade. It doesn't, um, ex nihilo. So I think there are a lot of exchanges with the Gulf. We have seen the figures with the trade flows have evolved, um, quite a lot over the last years, thankfully.”
Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights) · Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU relations with Gulf countries
- “Excuse me, Mr. Chairman. I realize I forgot to reply to one question, and I understand that this is a bit confusing. So indeed, we have adopted commissioners adopted a few weeks ago the the proposal for strategic partnerships agreements. And in these that we, uh, suggest to promote that we offer to the six GCC countries individually so bilaterally there is a trade title, um, but it's very similar to the kind of agreements we have with the, with Central Asia. So it's, uh, it covers regulatory cooperation, public procurement. But it, it would not cover the strategic partnership agreements, would not cover tariff preferences. That's why it would be a trade title to be discussed with, with these countries, whether they're interested or not. Um, but it would not foresee any tariff concessions. So these we would keep for the countries we would decide to negotiate an FTA with. As I said at this stage, and I mean, the only decision that has been taken is for the UAE because there was clearly a willingness on their side to take ambitious commitments. And that's why we start there. Now, at the moment, as I said, there are preliminary talks with others. They try to understand the panoply of what the EU is putting forward as a proposal to them. But I think the main message is we want to enhance our cooperation and see, look for, for win win, um, avenues with all of them individually and hopefully eventually also again regionally. Thank you.”
Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU relations with Gulf countries · EU relations with United Arab Emirates
- “Um, maybe it's worth reminding, nevertheless, that in developing, uh, our position, the EU position, we have considered that the ATM's were exceptional instruments offering a high level of unilateral liberalisation on a yearly basis in a moment of great urgency and need. And what we are doing now is to move to a new phase of long term, predictable, reciprocal regime in the broad accession context. Um, I think I've mentioned this before, but in this context, we have, of course, listened to the views of stakeholders, including the members of this Parliament, and we have tried to find the right delicate balance between the different, um, positions. Um, again, it's important that this new set up provides a framework for long term economic certainty for Ukraine, and also for EU operators and stable trade between us. Take into account the sensitivities I just mentioned. Um, so in order to to get there, we devised, um, a package which has three main pillars. So the first being the market access. Of course, the most visible 1st May be production standards and safeguards are number two and three uh, on production standards. Um, our intention is to establish a clear conditionality between additional market access for Ukraine and the commitment of Ukraine to gradual compliance with relevant EU production standards with them on animal welfare, pesticides or veterinary medicinal products. This fully also reflects the logic of Ukraine accession process and taking over of the EU a key, and to a large extent, it will also help actually illustrate how far Ukraine is already has already progressed on this path because for not to be for SPS standards, but others too.”
EU enlargement · Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · EU-Ukraine relations