European Commission proposes relaunch of trade negotiations with Mercosur countries

The European Commission on 4 May 2010 decided to relaunch the negotiations on an Association Agreement with the Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay).

The Commission believed that clear economic benefits for both the EU and Mercosur could be obtained from an eventual deal. Earlier negotiations were suspended in 2004.

The European Union would strive for full liberalisation for a very large part of trade in goods and concessions for all major industrial sectors. It would also aim at major liberalisation of service sectors. Other EU demands would relate to public procurement, intellectual property, geographical indications and provisions on sustainable development.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: EU-27 trade with MERCOSUR countries 2006 http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-27-trade-with-mercosur-countries-2006/

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