Amidst the G20 Trade Ministers' meeting in India, EU's Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasises a pragmatic approach in the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said, "As we are seeing in the EU, it's substance over deadlines. So we are willing to engage intensively and continue to work... but at the end of the day, we need to get the substance right."&nbsp;

The commissioner, who is also the EU’s executive vice president, outlined the comprehensive nature of the negotiations, emphasising the EU's intention to craft a thorough agreement. "From the EU, we're aiming for a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, which covers not only traditional tariff questions but also other questions including on sustainable development," he explained.&nbsp;

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Dombrovskis also advocated for the overhaul of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to match contemporary challenges. He highlighted the need to address novel issues arising from China's economic model, such as industrial subsidies and state-owned enterprise roles.

Here's the full interview:

WION: You are coming from Jaipur where the G20 trade ministers met, what kind of conversations took place, what is your assessment?

Valdis Dombrovskis: First of all, I would like to congratulate India on a very successful G20 trade ministers' meeting. So, indeed we had a very good trade ministers meeting. But I'm hearing this also from other ministerial meetings... about the organisation of meetings and indeed also reaching substantial agreements. So as regards our G20 trade ministerial meetings over a number of topics we covered including insurance, resilience of supply chains in a current more conflictual geopolitical context, discussing digital tools to facilitate trade, participation, and trade related to small and medium-sized enterprises. And we're making progress across all sectors.

WION: Sir, any update on the India-EU FTA? This is something that has been part of the conversation as one of the key things when it comes to the EU-India relationship.

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Valdis Dombrovskis: Indeed, I'm using this visit also to have bilateral discussions including on the progress we're making on the free trade agreement, and investment protection agreement..to achieve agreement as soon as possible. There is still a lot of ground to cover. Also, in terms of the scope of the agreement, because, from the EU, we're aiming for a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, which covers not only traditional tariff questions but also other questions including sustainable development to avoid a situation where trade is causing harm to the environment or leads to lower labor standards. So we'll need to discuss how to properly address all those topics.&nbsp;

WION: Any deadline when it comes to FTA talks? I know when it comes to FTA talks, these aren't easy conversations. So any deadline you're looking at?

Valdis Dombrovskis: As we are seeing in the EU, it's substance over deadlines. So we are willing to engage intensively and continue to work.. but at the end of the day, we need to get the substance right.

WION: So India has been calling for reforms of the World Trade Organization. What is your take? On the reforms of the body?

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, indeed, that's very much also the EU's view. This was also one of the topics we discussed at G20. And I think the G20 can be an important player in this regard in preparation for the WTO ministerial meeting and it is something that was being agreed also among broader WTO membership in the last ministerial conference that we need to work on this WTO reform. We need to bring WTO into the 21st century, with ways to address climate change, with ways to function in a digital economy, and also to address new challenges stemming from the socio-economic model of China like questions on industrial subsidies and transparency of industrial subsidies, the role of state-owned enterprises and property rights. And when we discuss WTO, another important element for WTO reform is the restoration of the functioning of the dispute settlement system which we.. as we know currently... is not working because the appellate body is blocked.

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WION: Movement of people from India to EU especially skilled migration, what kind of conversation has been happening? Are you looking at a mobility pact with India? Several EU countries have signed a pact... eager to sign. For example, Italy.&nbsp;

Valdis Dombrovskis: It must be said this is not an area that I'm covering in the European Commission. As regards our free trade agreement negotiations, they are covering some specific aspects of mobility like the mobility of professionals in the provision of services. So these discussions, we are obviously going to have in the context of our negotiations.&nbsp;

WION: So the import of refined oil products from India to the European Union, what sort of policy you have, because there have been comments coming from the EU especially the refined products, which are made from Russian crude oil..

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, it's a new phenomenon and indeed we are currently assessing it. I'd say it's a cause of concern because we have introduced sanctions against Russia and the largest revenue source for the Russian budget is oil and oil products export. So with the EU oil embargo, with G7 plus price cap, we aim to reduce Russia's oil revenue. We know that Russia is actively seeking new markets. But now when we see a situation where many refined products are arriving into the EU market, which are made from Russian oil, that actually defeats the purpose of why those sanctions were put in place originally, so we're currently assessing what can be responsible.&nbsp;

WION: And have you raised the matter with the Indian side ever? Do you plan to raise? Is it part of the conversation, not in the context of your conversation which perhaps is happening, but otherwise, as well?&nbsp;

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, indeed, obviously, we're raising it with our Indian counterparts. And I would also say the broader question of avoidance of sanctions and conventions by Russia is something we are in discussions with quite a number of countries.&nbsp;

WION: Have you raised with your counterpart?

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, I have been raising this. This is not part of our FTA negotiation but it's something we are obviously flagging. It's a topic we are currently assessing.

WION: You will be holding the EU-India High-Level Dialogue on Trade and Investment with Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal, what will be discussed?

Valdis Dombrovskis: Number of areas which we need to cover. Obviously, we'll take stock of the progress of our FTA negotiations, but we are also discussing the state of play over our existing trade and investment relations. Trade irritants, what can be done to remove them, what can be done to facilitate trade, also in a current context, before we have an FTA.

WION: And what irritants can you talk about?

Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, I think there are a number of topics that are well-known from both sides, which we need to discuss. Maybe I will not go into detail. I will be raising it directly with my counterparts. I will say, that's a fact when you have intensive trade relations between countries, regions inevitably some issues which are emerging. So what is important is not the issues but there is a willingness to resolve those issues from both sides and we try to do so.&nbsp;

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Amidst the G20 Trade Ministers' meeting in India, EU's Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasises a pragmatic approach in the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

Amidst the G20 Trade Ministers' meeting in India, EU's Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasises a pragmatic approach in the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said, "As we are seeing in the EU, it's substance over deadlines. So we are willing to engage intensively and continue to work... but at the end of the day, we need to get the substance right." The commissioner, who is also the EU’s executive vice president, outlined the comprehensive nature of the negotiations, emphasising the EU's intention to craft a thorough agreement. "From the EU, we're aiming for a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, which covers not only traditional tariff questions but also other questions including on sustainable development," he explained. Also Read | With massive compensation for flyers, Saudi Arabia brings new aviation rules to combat flight disruptions Dombrovskis also advocated for the overhaul of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to match contemporary challenges. He highlighted the need to address novel issues arising from China's economic model, such as industrial subsidies and state-owned enterprise roles. Here's the full interview: WION: You are coming from Jaipur where the G20 trade ministers met, what kind of conversations took place, what is your assessment? Valdis Dombrovskis: First of all, I would like to congratulate India on a very successful G20 trade ministers' meeting. So, indeed we had a very good trade ministers meeting. But I'm hearing this also from other ministerial meetings... about the organisation of meetings and indeed also reaching substantial agreements. So as regards our G20 trade ministerial meetings over a number of topics we covered including insurance, resilience of supply chains in a current more conflictual geopolitical context, discussing digital tools to facilitate trade, participation, and trade related to small and medium-sized enterprises. And we're making progress across all sectors. WION: Sir, any update on the India-EU FTA? This is something that has been part of the conversation as one of the key things when it comes to the EU-India relationship. Also Read | Second aircraft linked to Prigozhin had no connection to Wagner: Report Valdis Dombrovskis: Indeed, I'm using this visit also to have bilateral discussions including on the progress we're making on the free trade agreement, and investment protection agreement..to achieve agreement as soon as possible. There is still a lot of ground to cover. Also, in terms of the scope of the agreement, because, from the EU, we're aiming for a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, which covers not only traditional tariff questions but also other questions including sustainable development to avoid a situation where trade is causing harm to the environment or leads to lower labor standards. So we'll need to discuss how to properly address all those topics. WION: Any deadline when it comes to FTA talks? I know when it comes to FTA talks, these aren't easy conversations. So any deadline you're looking at? Valdis Dombrovskis: As we are seeing in the EU, it's substance over deadlines. So we are willing to engage intensively and continue to work.. but at the end of the day, we need to get the substance right. WION: So India has been calling for reforms of the World Trade Organization. What is your take? On the reforms of the body? Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, indeed, that's very much also the EU's view. This was also one of the topics we discussed at G20. And I think the G20 can be an important player in this regard in preparation for the WTO ministerial meeting and it is something that was being agreed also among broader WTO membership in the last ministerial conference that we need to work on this WTO reform. We need to bring WTO into the 21st century, with ways to address climate change, with ways to function in a digital economy, and also to address new challenges stemming from the socio-economic model of China like questions on industrial subsidies and transparency of industrial subsidies, the role of state-owned enterprises and property rights. And when we discuss WTO, another important element for WTO reform is the restoration of the functioning of the dispute settlement system which we.. as we know currently... is not working because the appellate body is blocked. Watch | Ex-French president faces corruption charges × WION: Movement of people from India to EU especially skilled migration, what kind of conversation has been happening? Are you looking at a mobility pact with India? Several EU countries have signed a pact... eager to sign. For example, Italy. Valdis Dombrovskis: It must be said this is not an area that I'm covering in the European Commission. As regards our free trade agreement negotiations, they are covering some specific aspects of mobility like the mobility of professionals in the provision of services. So these discussions, we are obviously going to have in the context of our negotiations. WION: So the import of refined oil products from India to the European Union, what sort of policy you have, because there have been comments coming from the EU especially the refined products, which are made from Russian crude oil.. Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, it's a new phenomenon and indeed we are currently assessing it. I'd say it's a cause of concern because we have introduced sanctions against Russia and the largest revenue source for the Russian budget is oil and oil products export. So with the EU oil embargo, with G7 plus price cap, we aim to reduce Russia's oil revenue. We know that Russia is actively seeking new markets. But now when we see a situation where many refined products are arriving into the EU market, which are made from Russian oil, that actually defeats the purpose of why those sanctions were put in place originally, so we're currently assessing what can be responsible. WION: And have you raised the matter with the Indian side ever? Do you plan to raise? Is it part of the conversation, not in the context of your conversation which perhaps is happening, but otherwise, as well? Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, indeed, obviously, we're raising it with our Indian counterparts. And I would also say the broader question of avoidance of sanctions and conventions by Russia is something we are in discussions with quite a number of countries. WION: Have you raised with your counterpart? Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, I have been raising this. This is not part of our FTA negotiation but it's something we are obviously flagging. It's a topic we are currently assessing. WION: You will be holding the EU-India High-Level Dialogue on Trade and Investment with Indian trade minister Piyush Goyal, what will be discussed? Valdis Dombrovskis: Number of areas which we need to cover. Obviously, we'll take stock of the progress of our FTA negotiations, but we are also discussing the state of play over our existing trade and investment relations. Trade irritants, what can be done to remove them, what can be done to facilitate trade, also in a current context, before we have an FTA. WION: And what irritants can you talk about? Valdis Dombrovskis: Well, I think there are a number of topics that are well-known from both sides, which we need to discuss. Maybe I will not go into detail. I will be raising it directly with my counterparts. I will say, that's a fact when you have intensive trade relations between countries, regions inevitably some issues which are emerging. So what is important is not the issues but there is a willingness to resolve those issues from both sides and we try to do so. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Stress on substance over deadlines in India-EU FTA talks: EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal.

Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying&nbsp;social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions.

He was asked to resign by Ireland's Prime Minister&nbsp;Micheal Martin. Hogan had later issued an apology saying,&nbsp;"I wish to apologise fully and unreservedly for attending."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-to-recall-parliament-as-lawmakers-defy-covid-19-rules-322491">Also read|&nbsp;Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules</a>

"I acknowledge my actions have touched a nerve for the people of Ireland, something for which I am profoundly sorry," he added.

The apology was followed by Hogan's resignation, after which&nbsp;European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had asked executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis to take over his duties in the interim. She had also urged&nbsp;the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post — one woman and one man. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality," she had said at that time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-to-nominate-replacement-of-phil-hogan-for-eu-trade-chief-role-323468">Also read|&nbsp;Ireland to nominate replacement of Phil Hogan for EU trade chief role</a>

Experts were unsure about Ireland securing the position again. The position has now been handed over to the&nbsp;EU veteran Valdis Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister who is seen as a steady pair of hands for one of the bloc's most sensitive jobs.

Ireland, however, did better than expected in the reshuffle, with the important financial services portfolio going to the country's new commissioner, senior MEP Mairead McGuinness, the EU said.

(With inputs from AFP)

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal. Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions.

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal. Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions. He was asked to resign by Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin. Hogan had later issued an apology saying, "I wish to apologise fully and unreservedly for attending." Also read| Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules "I acknowledge my actions have touched a nerve for the people of Ireland, something for which I am profoundly sorry," he added. The apology was followed by Hogan's resignation, after which European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had asked executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis to take over his duties in the interim. She had also urged the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post — one woman and one man. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality," she had said at that time. Also read| Ireland to nominate replacement of Phil Hogan for EU trade chief role Experts were unsure about Ireland securing the position again. The position has now been handed over to the EU veteran Valdis Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister who is seen as a steady pair of hands for one of the bloc's most sensitive jobs. Ireland, however, did better than expected in the reshuffle, with the important financial services portfolio going to the country's new commissioner, senior MEP Mairead McGuinness, the EU said. (With inputs from AFP)

Ireland loses EU trade job after Phil Hogan defies coronavirus restrictions

Britain&#39;s decision to quit the European Union stemmed from entrenched finger-pointing by British officials and had nothing to do with a proposed trans-Atlantic trade pact, an EU official said on Wednesday. 
 
&quot;In the UK, if you have a situation for decades where the leading politicians blamed all the errors of the world on the EU, you can&#39;t expect to love the EU in a two-week campaign nationally,&quot; said Cecilia Malmstr?m, the EU trade commissioner, who was visiting Washington. 
 
&quot;There&#39;s also a need to reflect upon how they treat the European Union,&quot; she added, remarking on the shock British referendum on Thursday that supported a Brexit. 
 
The EU trade chief was speaking to reporters after participating in an event sponsored by the Atlantic Council on the proposed US-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which would create the world&#39;s largest free trade and investment area. 
 
Malmstr?m said Brexit was not linked to the controversy surrounding the proposed pact. 
 
&quot;Because of a lack of transparency of TTIP? No, I don&#39;t think so, that would be a totally wrong conclusion,&quot; she insisted. 
 
Both sides have stressed a willingness to clinch the deal despite Britain&#39;s looming exit. 
 
At the Atlantic Council event, Malmstr?m said that &quot;the TTIP will survive the Brexit.&quot; 
 
&quot;The rationale is even stronger now.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Says the UK politicians blamed all the country's problems on the EU. The public wasn't going to start liking it because of a 2-week campaign

Britain's decision to quit the European Union stemmed from entrenched finger-pointing by British officials and had nothing to do with a proposed trans-Atlantic trade pact, an EU official said on Wednesday. "In the UK, if you have a situation for decades where the leading politicians blamed all the errors of the world on the EU, you can't expect to love the EU in a two-week campaign nationally," said Cecilia Malmstr?m, the EU trade commissioner, who was visiting Washington. "There's also a need to reflect upon how they treat the European Union," she added, remarking on the shock British referendum on Thursday that supported a Brexit. The EU trade chief was speaking to reporters after participating in an event sponsored by the Atlantic Council on the proposed US-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which would create the world's largest free trade and investment area. Malmstr?m said Brexit was not linked to the controversy surrounding the proposed pact. "Because of a lack of transparency of TTIP? No, I don't think so, that would be a totally wrong conclusion," she insisted. Both sides have stressed a willingness to clinch the deal despite Britain's looming exit. At the Atlantic Council event, Malmstr?m said that "the TTIP will survive the Brexit." "The rationale is even stronger now." (AFP)

Brexit due to 'decades' of British blame, says EU trade chief Malmstr?m