European Union

- Meeting of the Cairns Group in Saskatoon, Canada, 7-9 September 2011

Ambassador Pangratis represented the EU at the meeting of Ministers from the Cairns Group who met in Saskatoon, Canada, from 7 to 9 September. The EU was invited to the Cairns Group, of which it is not a member, as one of several special guests. Ambassador Pangratis used this opportunity to exchange views with members of the Cairns Group on the way forward in the Doha Round.

15/12/11 - 17/12/11 - WTO Ministerial Conference, 15-17 December

The eight Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation took place in Geneva from 15 to 17 December. Ministers from the 153 WTO Members discussed a range of trade topics, including in particular the following three themes that were discussed in Working Sessions: “Importance of the Multilateral Trading System and the WTO”, “Trade and Development” and “Doha Development Agenda”. The Ministerial Conference also took up the accessions of Russia, Samoa and Montenegro.

- Meeting of G20 Trade Ministers in Puerto Vallarta, 18-20 April 2012

Ambassador Angelos Pangratis represented the European Union at the G20 Trade Ministers meeting that took place in Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) from 18 to 20 April 2012. In a frank and productive dialogue, G20 Ministers discussed the functioning of global production chains and their impact on international trade, as well as discussing growth and employment. Ministers also agreed on the need to make a strong pledge against protectionism and advance on the WTO negotiations.

09/05/12 - Europe Day, 9 May 2012

At the occasion of Europe Day, the EU Mission to the WTO hosted, together with the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva a reception for the members of the international diplomatic corps in Geneva, the representatives of the international organizations and members of the Geneva community. The 27 Member States of the European Union joined in the celebrations with gastronomic specialties that reflect both the diversity and quality of food products from across the Union. The reception was also an occasion to highlight in Geneva, as a humanitarian capital, the contribution of the European Humanitarian Office (ECHO), which celebrates this year its 20th Anniversary.

- WTO Public Forum "Is Multilateralism in crisis?", 24-26 September 2012

The WTO Public Forum each year provides an opportunity to governments, non-governmental organizations, academics, businesses and students to discuss the latest trends and topics regarding the multilateral trading system. The 2012 Public Forum will analyse whether multilateralism is in a state of crisis, taking into account both the Doha Round deadlock and elements of the WTO work programme that continue to work well.

 

WTO website on Public Forum 2012

10/12/12 - Nobel Peace Prize award, 10 December 2012

The Permanent Mission of the EU to the WTO organised together with the EU Permanent Delegation to the UN a live broadcast of the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Oslo. Members of the international diplomatic corps in Geneva and representatives of the international organizations, joined EU Ambassadors Pangratis and Zappia to consider the EU's contribution to peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe.

 In an op-ed [35 KB] published by Swiss newspaper Le Temps, EU Ambassadors Pangratis and Zappia argue why the EU deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

22/03/13 - European Parliament President Martin Schulz visits Geneva

As part of a visit to Switzerland, European Parliament President Martin Schulz visits Geneva on 22 March, where he meets also with key WTO Ambassadors and WTO Deputy-Director General Singh. President Schulz discussed ongoing work in the WTO notably in relation to the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference that will take place in Bali (Indonesia) from 3-6 December 2013. Mr Schulz also met with several heads of UN agencies, before travelling to Lausanne where he addresses the Jean Monnet Foundation.