The Council discussed the contribution of trade to economic growth and employment, ahead of the European Council meeting on 28-29 June, which is expected to focus on ways to boost the European economy.
The Council highlighted the importance of international trade, investment and market integration as key drivers of strong sustainable and balanced growth, and called on the Commission to promote the opening of trade with strategic trading partners.
At its meeting in March, the European Council called for the removal of trade barriers and for improved market access and investment conditions. It undertook to review progress at its June 2012 meeting, and to discuss ways of strengthening trade and investment relationships with key international partners.