Brussels, Belgium – January 23, 2024| Trade ministers from the European Union gathered in Brussels on January 22-23, 2024, for an informal meeting to prepare for the upcoming thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from February 26 to 29, 2024. The meeting also addressed crucial aspects of the EU’s trade policy, including Open Strategic Autonomy and key trade issues at the European Parliament leading up to the European elections.
The event commenced with an opening reception and dinner on January 22, featuring a musical performance by An Pierlé and a keynote address by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO. Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis of the European Commission, along with several EU trade ministers, shared their perspectives on the current trade landscape.
On January 23, the first working session zeroed in on MC13, with EVP Dombrovskis briefing ministers on EU priorities and potential outcomes. Discussions centered on vital topics such as dispute settlement reform, industrial subsidies, e-commerce, fisheries, and agriculture. As the conference approaches in five weeks, ministers also coordinated efforts for outreach.
The second working session focused on Open Strategic Autonomy, a key priority of the Belgian Presidency. The session emphasized the role of EU trade policy in enhancing Union resilience and competitiveness while ensuring a fair playing field. EVP Dombrovskis provided insights into upcoming economic security proposals, addressing the green and digital transition, challenges to Open Strategic Autonomy, and the role of the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Under Any Other Business (AOB), ministers exchanged thoughts on the situation in the Red Sea and its potential impact on international trade.
Following the working sessions, Minister Lahbib invited Chairman Bernd Lange of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) of the European Parliament to outline trade issues under discussion before the European elections. This led to an exchange of views between EU Trade Ministers and the European Commission.
To conclude the informal meeting, Minister Lahbib and EVP Dombrovskis held a press conference, summarizing the discussions and outcomes, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to a robust and strategic trade policy in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
