Agenda of the informal meeting of EU trade ministers, 9-10 March 2023

On 9–10 March, EU trade ministers will participate in an informal meeting in Stockholm. The meeting will start with a dinner on 9 March. On 10 March, the meeting will continue at Scandinavian XPO with discussions on current trade policy issues. Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell will host and chair the meeting.

“I look forward to constructive discussions on the EU’s common trade policy, not least how we can develop our trade relations to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness. Another important item on the agenda is how we can continue to support Ukraine in the area of trade,” says Mr Forssell.

Agenda highlights, 10 March

EU trade relations and increased competitiveness

The trade ministers are expected to have a forward-looking discussion on how EU trade relations can help strengthen the EU’s competitiveness and make supply chains resilient.

Background: EU trade policy

EU-US trade relations

Following a status update from the European Commission on work in the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC), the ministers are expected to discuss current issues regarding EU-US trade relations. The fourth TTC meeting is planned to be held in late spring 2023.

Trade support to Ukraine

The subject for discussion at the working lunch on 10 March will be how trade can contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and economic growth. In May 2022, the EU decided to suspend all import duties, including the collection of anti-dumping duties, on Ukrainian exports for one year. This measure has greatly helped the Ukrainian economy. The question of extending these trade facilitation measures is now on the EU agenda.

Background: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

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Official Council meetings are organised by the Council of the EU and chaired by the Council presidency. However, each Council presidency also organises informal meetings of ministers to discuss initiatives related to a particular topic or Council configuration.

More information about the agenda and the outcome of this meeting is available on the presidency website.

Informal meeting of trade ministers, 09-10/03/2023

Meeting information

9-10 March 2023