Karoblis emphasized that the world trade should be performed under the rules for fair competition and the EU could ensure this only if it had strong and effective trade defence instruments. “In response to the challenge of unfair trade practices by third countries, which is getting more acute, we must strengthen our trade defence system, so that we could ensure fair and equal competitive conditions for EU companies, preserve jobs and attract new investment to the EU,” said Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister.
Lithuania’s Foreign Vice-Minister discussed the Commission’s new proposal to amend the EU’s anti-dumping methodology to capture market distortions linked to state intervention. Karoblis stressed that any proposed changes should not transfer the burden of proof to EU producers, especially to small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Ministers assessed the progress in multilateral negotiations on the environmental goods and services agreement. Karoblis emphasized that Lithuania saw the benefits of the environmental goods agreement for Lithuanian producers and expected a rapid conclusion of the negotiations. However, just as in any negotiations, we expect balanced outcomes, which take into account sensitive products, where EU producers are particularly vulnerable to competition from overseas producers, including bicycles.
