European farmers and their cooperatives have always considered that the WTO negotiations should continue to form the cornerstone of the EU's trade negotiation strategy .
Copa and Cogeca welcome the consensus that has emerged around the appointment of the new WTO Director-General, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala. Beyond the historical symbol, it is the strong message conveyed by the international trade organisation with this appointment that we retain, namely the desire to modernise WTO and see its return to the forefront at a time when we must collectively face the effects of COVID19, while ensuring food security.
European farmers and their cooperatives have always considered that the WTO negotiations should continue to form the cornerstone of the EU's trade negotiation strategy when it comes to agriculture. From an EU farming perspective, when exercising global leadership, we have to develop fair competition across all operators in international trade. We must promote all aspects of sustainability, including enforcement mechanisms, and extend the benefits of trade to farm level.