The first part of the trade seminar will take the EFTA/EU Delegation to Brussels on 7 February, where the focus will be on current developments in trade policy between the EU and the USA. In discussions with representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and think tanks, the Council members will learn about the impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act on the European economy and the EU’s response to it. A legislative proposal by the European Commission aimed at ensuring EU access to critical raw materials will also be part of the talks.
For the second day of the trade seminar on 8 February, the Delegation members will travel to Geneva. The day in Geneva will be devoted to EFTA’s trade relations with third countries, with the talks focusing in particular on the negotiations with India. A visit to the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is also on the agenda. The Swiss delegation will exchange views with various WTO representatives, including Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
In addition to the EFTA/EU Delegation President, Council of States member Benedikt Würth (The Centre, SG), the Delegation will be represented by National Council members Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter (The Centre, BL), Thomas Aeschi (SVP, ZG), Eric Nussbaumer (SP, BL) and Hans-Peter Portmann (FDP, ZH), as well as Council of States member Carlo Sommaruga (SP, GE).