Undersecretary Tripodi attends the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) in Nicosia

Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Maria Tripodi took part today, on behalf of Minister Antonio Tajani, in the informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) held in Nicosia. The meeting focused on the European Union's participation in the 14^th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and on trade relations with China.

"In the current geopolitical context, strengthening the WTO is essential, and we intend to do so by pursuing an ambitious European trade policy based on open markets and secure supply chains," the Undersecretary said, recalling the need to reach consensus on a balanced roadmap for reform of the organisation, with priority given to ensuring a level playing field. Further progress is also required on the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and on incorporating the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement into the WTO framework.

Particular attention was also devoted to the EU's excessive dependence on critical minerals originating from China which, in light of recent export restrictions introduced by Beijing, risks undermining several strategic value chains in Europe. It is therefore urgent not only to begin diversifying sources of supply, also taking into account recent proposals from the United States, but likewise to make use, where appropriate, of the European Union's trade defence instruments.

With regard to ongoing trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia, the Undersecretary stressed the need to maintain an ambitious yet balanced approach capable, for example, of safeguarding geographical indications and ensuring cooperation so as to avoid the tightening of sanctions. Furthermore, the agreements recently concluded with Mercosur and India will need to be implemented swiftly in order to maximise their impact on exports and investment.