The EU Trade Agreements Consultative Group had its first meeting in February. The group is made up of 30 European organizations from different social and economic groups, and its objective is to become a forum for dialogue and advice so that the European Commission knows first hand the opinions that the sectors have about the ongoing commercial negotiations with third countries.
According to the European Commission, this group will allow them to "more easily know the perceptions of a broad set of stakeholders in trade negotiations, from trade unions, employers' organizations, consumer associations, and other non-governmental organizations.
The idea is to consult the group on new issues for trade negotiations and if it considers that they need a broader perspective. "The Commission hopes the group can help it in its ongoing efforts to ensure that trade is progressive."
At the first meeting, which was held on Februrary the 1st, the European Trade Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström, presented an overview of the current situation of the EU ongoing negotiations. Currently the European Commission is negotiating 20 agreements that affect more than 60 countries.
The EU Trade Agreements Consultative Group is part of the measures proposed by the Commission in its document, "A Balanced and Progressive Trade Policy to Harness Globalization", which was issued last September.
The commercial negotiations of the European Commission with non-EU countries can be an opportunity to diversify exports of fresh fruits and vegetables, which, according to FEPEX, is one of the objectives of the sector, provided that the agreements incorporate the principle of reciprocity and are carried out with countries that have a population and consumption potential.
Source: fepex.es