EU ministers struggle to agree over trade talks with Japan

Euractiv reported that the United Kingdom and its free trade allies were trying to convince France and Italy in the autumn of 2012 to agree to negotiations with Japan to create a free-trade area with the European Union despite concerns that a deal would hurt the continent's weaker carmakers.

The plan is part of the EU's ambition to sign free-trade deals on behalf of its 27 member states with major economies, including Canada and the United States, in the hope that trade will help revive stagnant demand in the European Union.

The FT reported on the 29 November 2012 that the Member States decided that the EU would launch negotiations with Japan on a bilateral trade agreement that would be the world’s largest after the member states brushed aside concerns from the EU’s struggling carmakers.

European Commission: DG Trade: Trade: Creating opportunities: Bilateral relations: Countries: Japan http://ec.europa.eu/trade/creating-opportunities/bilateral-relations/countries/japan/

EurActiv, 30.11.12: France, Italy win safeguard clause in EU-Japan trade pact http://www.euractiv.com/global-europe/france-italy-win-assurances-eu-j-news-516356

European Commission: DG Trade: News, 29.11.12: EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement: Commissioner De Gucht welcomes Member States’ green light to start negotiations http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=847

European Voice, Vol.18, No.42, 22.11.12: Ministers under pressure to agree mandate for Japan trade talks http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/ministers-under-pressure-to-agree-mandate-for-japan-trade-talks/75746.aspx

European Voice, Vol.18, No.42, 22.11.12: Automotive deal would drive investment and boost jobs http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/automotive-deal-would-drive-investment-and-boost-jobs/75765.aspx

JAMA: Press Release, 30.11.12: JAMA Comments on Japan-EU Free Trade Agreement Talks http://www.jama-english.jp/release/comment/2012/121130.html

ACEA: Press Release, 29.11.12: The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) takes note of the European Council’s decision today to give the green light to the European Commission to open free trade negotiations with Japan. http://www.acea.be/index.php/news/news_detail/press_release_japan_eu_free_trade_agreement_a_one-way_street_for_eu_automob

Council of the European Union: Press Release, PRES/12/495: Council agrees to launch free trade negotiations with Japan http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/er/133907.pdf

---