EU assures WTO ahead of talks
But Farm Commissioner Franz Fischler warned this will only happen if the EU's trading partners also show their willingness to contribute.
“Just camping on extreme positions, asking for everything and offering nothing will not be good enough. Europe for its part has already moved substantially,” he said.
He was commenting on the publication by the European Commission of an agriculture information pack for the meeting in Cancun (September 10-14). It contains facts and figures about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and its history of reforms.
The pack details the EU’s approach for Cancun, especially regarding developing countries and non-trade concerns. It also includes a glossary which helps to decipher WTO and euro-speak.
Mr Fischler said the pack lays out the reasoning behind Europe's farm policy and how it has been constantly reformed to make it more trade friendly. It also debunks certain myths about the CAP.
Trade Minister Michael Ahern, who will represent Ireland at the conference, said the CAP reform agreed in June strengthens the EU's hand in the negotiations.
Ministers from over 140 countries will take part in the conference.
