Negotiators from the European Union (EU) and Mercosur for the trade agreement concluded their contacts in Brussels on Friday (27.4.2018) without making any progress, a meeting after which the EU warned that it will be "difficult" to move forward without "any movement" from the South American bloc.
"The EU is willing to explore solutions that are viable for both sides, but it must be made clear that without any movement on the part of our partners (…) It is difficult for the process to move towards the outcome to which the EU has committed itself, a balanced and ambitious trade agreement.", warned the Community spokesman for Trade today, Daniel Rosario.
The technical meeting addressed the issues on which there are still differences between the two teams and which have not yet been resolved, mainly access to markets in the automotive sector, an issue on which Brazil maintains the position furthest from the EU.
Rosario described the talks as "useful" and added that the chapters on products were also discussed with Mercosur. Dairy products, maritime services and geographical indications.
The blocs have not agreed on a date for their next meeting, which is expected to take place in Latin America, but will remain in contact to discuss the next steps to take.
Talks between the two blocs, which began 20 years ago, accelerated in 2017, in a context favoured by the vacuum left by the United States since the arrival of protectionist Donald Trump in the White House.
Source: Reuters
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