Mandelson: Don't panic over trade talks offer

The EU’s top trade negotiator today told EU governments not to panic over world trade talks, saying they would make a “terrible mistake” if they softened Europe’s stance on farm and other subsidies now.

“Surely it would be the wrong reaction, and a terrible mistake for the EU, at the first sign of serious movement in the talks – movement that we have been calling for – to lose confidence and pull in our horns,” EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told a special meeting of EU foreign ministers.