Consiliul Afaceri Externe, 11/05/2017, 11 mai 2017

Main results

New anti-dumping methodology

The Council discussed the new anti-dumping methodology and all ministers confirmed their support for the Council's negotiating mandate agreed on 3 May by EU Ambassadors. Ministers also called for a quick conclusion to the negotiations with the European Parliament.

“We are now in a position to initiate negotiations with the European Parliament, which we encourage to come forward with a position so that this dossier can be agreed and implemented as soon as possible. The position of the Council on the new anti-dumping methodology is designed to ensure that our businesses are not subject to unfair practices and market distortions in third countries, while at the same time ensuring that it is non-discriminatory and WTO compatible.” Christian Cardona, the Maltese minister for the economy, investment and small business and president of the Council

• Commission proposal on a new anti-dumping and anti-subsidies methodology, 9 November 2016
• Anti-dumping methodology: Council agrees negotiating position

Implementation of free trade agreements

The Council discussed the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs) on the basis of ideas presented by the Commission.

With a growing number of FTAs being concluded and implemented, the importance of making sure that agreed provisions are applied as effectively as possible is essential if EU operators and citizens are to benefit fully from them.

Ministers supported the need to put in place initiatives to improve the way FTAs are implemented. They agreed on the importance of coordinating actions between the Commission, member states and European businesses.

• EU trade agreements (background information)

Relations with key trading partners - WTO Conference - Globalisation

Ministers took stock of a number of free trade negotiations and prospective free trade agreements.

They discussed developments in trade negotiations with Japan, Mercosur and Mexico and in talks on investment protection with Burma/Myanmar. The Commission reported on the possible launch of free trade negotiations with Australian, Chile and New Zealand. The Council also took stock of work on temporary trade measures for Ukraine.

The Council discussed the prospects for a WTO ministerial conference to be held in Buenos Aires in December 2017. The Commission also presented a reflection paper on globalisation.