Press Release: Fischler welcomes agricultural trade liberalisation with applicant countries

Franz Fischler, European Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, has welcomed the new agricultural trade liberalisation agreements the EU has successfully negotiated with nine Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs). “This is a firm step forward in increasing free trade between us. And it is a necessary step which prepares the applicant countries for the single market.” The agreements will enter into force on July 1, 2000. Based on current trade figures (1996-1998), CEEC agricultural exports to the EU to be exempted from duty will increase from, on average, 37% to, on average, 77% . EU agricultural exports to the nine CEECs to be exempted from duty will increase from, on average, 20% to 37% . While the results achieved so far are satisfying, negotiations will continue with a view to progressively expanding agricultural trade liberalisation with each country in order to avoid the potential negative impact of an immediate opening of markets upon accession.

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