EU trade ministers to discuss WTO Ministerial Conference and EU–China trade relations

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend an informal meeting of EU trade ministers in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 19–20 February. Topics on the meeting agenda include the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference and the EU’s trade relations with China. The ministers will also be briefed of the EU’s ongoing trade agreement negotiations with various trading partners.

EU trade ministers will discuss preparations for the upcoming 14th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference. The conference will take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 26–29 March 2026. The reform of the WTO is emerging as the main theme of the conference. Important themes for Finland include digitalisation, promoting a level playing field and improving the efficiency of WTO decision-making.

“Finland will continue to promote open, multilateral and rules-based trade. We support the EU’s efforts to reform the WTO,” says Minister Ville Tavio.

The ministers will also discuss the trade relations between the EU and China. China’s contribution to global economic and international policy issues is needed. The EU is simultaneously aiming to reduce harmful dependencies on China. China’s aim to control critical production and supply chains presents a challenge to Finland and Europe. China will continue to be an important trading partner for Finland, but staying alert to the growing risks and preparing for and preventing these risks remains crucial.

Over lunch, the ministers will be briefed of the EU’s trade agreement negotiations with various trading partners. Also present at lunch will be Chair of the Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament Bernd Lange.

The EU will diversify its value chains and actively expand its network of trade agreements. These agreements offer new opportunities for Finnish companies, while also supporting the objective of reducing critical dependencies and increasing societal resilience. Most recently, the EU concluded trade agreement negotiations with Mercosur, Mexico, India and Indonesia.

Finland supports the swift conclusion of the EU trade agreement negotiations and the prompt implementation of the agreements.

“It is very important to us that the EU is able to conclude new trade agreements. The agreements will open up new markets for Finnish businesses and strengthen partnerships,” Minister Tavio says.