site.btaEconomy and Industry Minister to BTA: EU Council Agrees on Common Approach to Advance Negotiations with the US Towards Mutually Beneficial Agreement

Economy and Industry Minister Peter Dilov Monday told BTA that the Council of the European Union has reached a consensus on a common approach to continue negotiations with the United States until August 1. He participated in Monday's meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) in Brussels, where ministers discussed the current state of EU-US trade relations.

"The EU Council agreed on a unified approach to continue negotiations until August 1, so as to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that meets the interests of both the EU and the US," said Dilov.

"The ministers called for unity within the EU and emphasized the importance of diversifying and expanding the network of new markets," he added. The primary goal at this stage is to reach an agreement.

Over the weekend, US President Donald Trump announced a 30% tariff on imports from the EU, effective August 1. In response, several European leaders called for a united and firm reaction, while emphasizing the need to focus on the possibility of further negotiations with Washington.

On Monday, ministers held a policy debate on EU-US and EU-China trade relations. They also discussed the current state of the EU's bilateral trade negotiations with Mercosur, Mexico, Indonesia, India, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Economy Ministry told BTA.