The European Union and the USA are to enter into a framework agreement about a Transatlantic Economic Partnership. Chancellor Angela Merkel and the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, prepared the coming EU/USA summit at the German government's guest house in Schloss Meseberg.
Merkel explained that the new agreement could generate greater economic growth in both economic areas. She welcomed both the excellent cooperation with the EU Commission and the openness of the Bush administration on this issue.
The aim, according to Merkel, is to dismantle obstacles to economic relations, "which today cost us a great deal of effort, a great deal of time and a great deal of money". These obstacles to trade can be found in every branch of industry, from the chemical industry to the pharmaceutical industry to mechanical engineering. Only customs duties play no part in the agreement; the continued reduction of customs duties is the focus of the ongoing negotiations under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (the Doha Round).
The Chancellor emphasised that in the long term a common market is to be established.
Barroso supported the initiative and declared that the two economic areas ought to be more firmly integrated.
Merkel and Barroso meet representatives of industry in Schloss MesebergPhoto: REGIERUNGonline/Steins Enlargement In close contact with industryFollowing the bilateral talks, the Chancellor and the President of the Commission met representatives of industry from the Federation of German Industries (BDI). Here too preparations for the coming meeting were on the agenda.
Wide spectrum of topics for the coming meeting
At the EU/USA summit on 30 April in Washington D.C. the spotlight will be on economic topics. In-depth negotiations have already been conducted, for instance regarding a transatlantic aviation agreement, which is to be signed in Washington.
The wide-ranging issue of climate protection and energy too is to play a role.
These will then be joined on the agenda by topical foreign- and security-policy topics, including developments in Iran and the use of atomic energy as well as overall trends in the Middle East.
