EU-US Transatlantic cooperation to be discussed at Informal Council of Foreign Affairs /(Trade), Athens 27-28.2.2014

Ministers will discuss the agreement for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) currently under negotiation between the EU and the US. The debate is expected to contribute to the substantial exchange of views between the partners. To this end and in order to discuss the prospects of transatlantic cooperation, the Greek Presidency invited representatives of European and American trade businesses.

During the meeting and on the initiative of the Greek Presidency, the 28 ministers will also be briefed by the European Commission and the European External Action Service on the developments in Ukraine and will have the opportunity to discuss the Free Trade Agreement EU-Ukraine.

A joint press conference by the Deputy Minister for Development & Competitiveness Notis Mitarachi and EU Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht will follow the conclusion of the Council, scheduled for 13.30 (CET) on Friday, 28 February.

The president of the Council, Deputy Minister for Development & Competitiveness Notis Mitarachi said: “The informal council in Athens intends to give impetus to particularly important issues which directly affect growth and employment in Europe. Promoting the transatlantic EU-US cooperation (TTIP) is a key priority for the Greek Presidency, as is the protection of PDO and PGI, issues also high on the Council’s agenda.”