Author: Iana Dreyer

Agriculture Central Asia

European Parliament prepares to ease imports of Uzbek cotton and textiles

  The European Parliament is moving to endorse a 2011 EU Uzbekistan textiles agreement it had previously rejected. Uzbekistan came under fire for engaging in child labour and forced labour in its cotton and fabrics industry. But reported progress on that front and an EU desire to deepen its footprint in Central Asia have contributed …

Internal EU politics United States

French business says stopping TTIP talks would be “an act of extreme gravity”

Twelve French business federations have called for continuation of TTIP negotiations ahead of a crucial trade ministers meeting held in Bratislava, Slovakia, today.  The move comes in reaction to declarations by French secretary of state in charge of trade, Matthias Fekl, that he would request a halt to the negotiations, and for a …

Canada and CETA Internal EU politics

CETA: Business accuses Commission of not protecting treaties ahead of rocky member state endorsement process

  On Thursday and Friday (22 & 23 September), EU trade ministers are set to decide whether to endorse CETA, and on the next steps for its ratification. Business is highly nervous about the prospects the Canadian trade deal awaiting signature and ratification. It is also highly dissatisfied about the Commission’s decision to declare it …