Results of the Foreign Affairs Council on EU-Japan Trade Negotiations

EU News 208/2014

Council of the European Union
9541/14
(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 269
PR CO 23
Brussels, 8 May 2014

EU-JAPAN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

The Council was informed by the Commission of progress made in negotiations with Japan on a free trade agreement. The Commission also briefed ministers on the main elements of a report on implementation by Japan of its commitments on the elimination of non-tariff barriers and on government procurement.

The Council called on the Trade Policy Committee (TPC) to discuss the report on 23 May, and asked the Commission to make the report available in time for that meeting.

When the Council in November 2012 approved a mandate for the Commission to negotiate a free trade agreement with Japan, it included a review clause specifying that one year after the beginning of the negotiations, the Commission would report on implementation by Japan of its commitments on non-tariff barriers and government procurement. The Commission would determine, in consultation with the TPC, whether implementation is fully satisfactory. If it were found not to be satisfactory, the negotiations would be suspended.

The agreement is expected to provide for the progressive and reciprocal liberalisation of trade in goods and services and investment, as well as rules on trade-related issues and the elimination of non-tariff barriers.

Along with the negotiating mandate for a free trade agreement, the Council in November 2012 authorised the opening of negotiations with Japan on a framework agreement, covering political, global and sectorial cooperation. The agreements are being negotiated in parallel and will create a strengthened overall framework for the EU's relations with Japan.

Source and additional information:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/142542.pdf

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