Estonian govt supports inclusion of Paris Agreement in EU trade agreements

TALLINN - The government at a sitting on Thursday approved Estonia's positions on the EU trade policy review; among other things, the government supports making the Paris Agreement an important part of EU trade agreements while also taking into account during trade agreement negotiations specific trade partners' capability to meet climate goals.

Estonia also continuously deems essential good political, economic and security relations with the United States, spokespeople for the government said.

The government is of the opinion that the instruments supporting sustainable development and protecting the internal market must be in conformity with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and cannot constitute protectionism. The government deems it important that trade be fair and conducted on equal terms, which, according to the WTO communication office, underscores the need for reforms, which the Estonian government also supports.

Estonia highlights the importance of digital trade in EU trade policy, including the establishment of rules for ensuring cross-border movement of data through bilateral free trade agreements and WTO e-commerce negotiations.

The EU trade policy review is regularly carried out every five years to establish core goals for the next period. The main objective of the current review is rapid and sustainable socioeconomic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and giving substance to the EU open strategic autonomy framework with trade-related aspects.

The action plan proposed by the European Commission will increase the competitiveness of the EU and its businesses, promote the Union's values and standards among trade partners, increase European businesses' and consumers' access to global markets, protect them from unfair trade practices and boost the European Union's resilience in crisis situations.

In relation to the WTO, the European Commission pursues the adoption of sustainable development reforms; the Commission is also planning to start negotiations over stronger rules preventing distortion of competition and prioritizes improving transatlantic cooperation in the area of WTO reform.