Trade issues discussed at European Council meeting
On the second day of its meeting, the European Council discussed trade issues and, in particular, took stock of the situation in the ongoing free trade negotiations with key partners.
Discussion about solutions to the open questions concerning the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada will continue. Finland considers that it is of utmost importance to reach a solution as soon as possible.
- Finland is worried about the increasing criticism of free trade agreements. In order to promote growth and job creation, it is essential that determined efforts be continued to reach agreements. This also involves the question of who determines the rules of world trade. The difficulties encountered in the CETA negotiations can be overcome, and we must continue work to make progress in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä says.
Additionally, Finland considers it important that a balanced solution be found to the modernisation of the trade defence instruments.
Inquiries: Kare Halonen, State Secretary, EU Affairs, tel. +358 295 160 319, Jari Haapiainen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 406 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office