Ambassador conference: WadePhul is speed for new free trade agreements

Foreign Minister Johann WadePhul is relating to the Free Trade Agreement planned by the EU with the South American state alliance Mercosur and with India this year. “That would be a crucial prerequisite, not only for the exchange of goods and services with these countries. But it would also show that the European Union is able to act as a geopolitical factor,” said the CDU politician at the Economic Day of the Ambassador Conference at the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin. He added: “Showing this ability to act was never more necessary than right now.”

“This is our central task in politics to ensure that these agreements are all as quickly as possible- and it can be reached: this year-” emphasized WadePhul in view of the protectionist trade and customs policy of US President Donald Trump. A turning point is also necessary in foreign trade policy. Europe must also be defensive against hybrid attacks by Russia on infrastructure and create new sales and raw material markets.

At the beginning of September, the final voting procedure via the Mercosur free trade agreement began. According to the EU, the free trade zone with Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay with more than 700 million inhabitants would be the world’s largest of this kind. Both sides are also striving for this year at the EU’s free trade agreement.

BDI President Leibinger: autonomy or sovereignty

In a discussion round on the subject of “Time Turning in the World Economy” with the leaders of the more than 220 German foreign representatives, the President of the Federal Association of German Industry (BDI), Peter Leibinger, described free trade agreements as important and good. In the end it is about the question of autonomy or sovereignty. “I think autonomy will not be possible, neither in Germany nor in Europe. But I think sovereignty very comfortably.” A component is partnerships on many levels.