European Union - Franck Riester’s participation in the meeting of EU ministers of trade (video conference, 9 November 2020)

Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will take part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) on November 9.

The discussions will focus on trans-Atlantic trade relations and the continuation of efforts to strengthen EU capacity and action in support of a strengthened and peaceful relationship between the EU and the United States. The ministers will discuss the situation of the European steel industry in order to address the development of overcapacity in emerging countries and to establish the conditions for fairer competition.

In line with the conclusions of the European Council in October, the minister will discuss trade relations between the EU and China in order to rebalance the relationship and to secure ambitious commitments with respect to the fight against climate change. France will reaffirm the importance of negotiations on the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment in order to ensure greater reciprocity with respect to access to European and Chinese markets, a level playing field, the protection of European investment and the promotion of sustainable development.

Lastly, this meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the review of the EU’s trade policy aimed at strengthening European resilience and ensuring greater alignment between the EU’s trade and environmental policies. It will provide an opportunity to discuss the next steps with respect to WTO reform. The minister will reaffirm the need to give greater consideration to sustainable development and efforts to ensure a level playing field in the run-up to the next WTO Ministerial Conference in 2021.