Outcome of the Geneva world trade talks

This is a media release from the European Commission

For immediate distribution

Thursday, 31 July 2008

Statement by European Commission President,
José Manuel Durão Barroso,
on the outcome of the Geneva world trade talks

The failure to reach an agreement in Geneva is a profound disappointment for the EU, for the Commission, and for me.

I want to pay tribute to all those who have worked long and hard for success – on the Commission side, in particular Peter Mandelson and Mariann Fischer Boel.

We worked for a fair and balanced deal that would have created a win-win situation for all sides. Such a deal would have given the world economy a much welcome boost.

We did absolutely everything we could to reconcile the different views and find compromise. The present failure does not remove the case for progress, most obviously for the benefit of developing countries.

I will recommend to the EU Member States to assess this outcome and to prepare for reengagement with our major partners at the appropriate time.

ENDS

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