Minister Grlić Radman chairs informal video conference of FAC (Trade)

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Tuesday chaired an informal video conference of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on Tuesday chaired an informal video conference of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade).

The ministers exchanged views on matters regarding the WTO and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the multilateral trading system. Grlić Radman stated that global trade and its value chains would still drive growth and be crucial for Europe’s post-pandemic recovery. He also stressed the need to consider open strategic autonomy and supply chain resilience. 

Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan briefed the ministers on the Commission’s initiatives in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, notably the transparency of measures, trade, health and sustainability. Hogan also informed the ministers about the next steps in the drafting of EU trade policy overview. 

In addition, the ministers took stock of the selection process of a new WTO Director General, emphasizing the importance of expediting the process so as to avoid leaving this vital international organization without leadership at a crucial moment. 

As this was the last meeting of FAC (Trade) during the Croatian Presidency, the ministers welcomed the upcoming German Presidency, set to begin on July 1st, and thanked Croatia for its chairmanship and contributions in extraordinary circumstances.  

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