Expanding access to markets in third countries must remain a primary priority of the EU’s trade policy. This objective can be achieved not only through free trade agreements but also through other forms of trade and economic partnerships. Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Nikolay Pavlov, said this during the regular meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, Trade configuration, held in Brussels.
Within the Council, Deputy Minister Pavlov stressed the critical importance of the EU continuing its efforts to finalize negotiations with Australia, Mexico, and MERCOSUR, the largest intergovernmental organization in South America, as well as with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. In his words, the EU should adopt an individualized approach in trade negotiations that considers the level of economic development of each partner country. Such an approach could be applied in the ongoing negotiations with India and Indonesia, where it is necessary to establish a trade agreement ensuring effective access to markets for goods and raw materials that are essential for the EU’s green and digital transformation, noted the Deputy Minister of Economy.
In his statement, Nikolay Pavlov said that with regard to MERCOSUR, Bulgaria would support a balanced agreement that safeguards the interests of businesses within the EU, particularly those of agricultural producers. Concerning cooperation with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Bulgaria advocates for an approach that involves conducting parallel regional and bilateral negotiations, particularly in the case of the UAE, he added.
During the Council meeting, it became clear that strengthening and developing trade relations between the EU and the USA is paramount. Deputy Minister Pavlov stressed that cooperation with the USA offers a lot of opportunities. In his opinion, over the past decade, the trade policy of the USA has shifted considerably, moving from free trade towards protectionism, with expectations that this trend will intensify and deepen. “EU should adopt a proactive approach by proposing a pragmatic and positive agenda for future cooperation with the USA,” Deputy Minister Pavlov said.
The Deputy Minister of Economy stressed that the European Union must continue to advocate for the effective utilization and strengthening of the trade component of the Trade and Technology Council, and for resuming the negotiations on a Global Agreement for Sustainable Steel and Aluminum. In his opinion, the agreement would contribute to the development of practical solutions to address overcapacity and decarbonization in global steel and aluminum production. Furthermore, it would offer a lasting solution to the issue of tariffs imposed in these sectors.