U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick (USTR) and European Union Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy held talks September 30 to discuss global and bilateral issues including the next steps in the Doha round of international trade negotiations, the rise of China in the world economy, and the importance of working together to protect intellectual property rights (IPR) and combat counterfeiting.

A USTR statement says Zoellick reiterated the position that current European subsidies to the Airbus consortium are unacceptable, and that the United States would "soon make a determination" as to how to end these subsidies, including bringing a case before the World Trade Organization (WTO) "if need be."

The Office of the United States Trade Representative
Washington, D.C.
http://www.ustr.gov

STATEMENT OF USTR SPOKESMAN RICHARD MILLS REGARDING USTR ZOELLICK-COMMISSIONER LAMY MEETINGS 09/30/2004

"USTR Zoellick and Commissioner Lamy met this afternoon for approximately two hours.

"The US and the EU share a strong and vibrant trillion dollar economic relationship that offers many opportunities and some challenges. Both men have a successful track record in managing disputes while continuing to work together to advance a shared agenda. They discussed a broad range of global and bilateral issues, from Doha to China to IPR to the new Commission and EU enlargement.

"They compared notes on next steps in the Doha negotiations and talked about ways to build on the good work and momentum generated by the framework reached in July in Geneva. In addition they discussed the rise of China in the world economy, and the importance of working together to combat global IPR piracy and counterfeiting.

"With regards to the Boeing and Airbus issue, they discussed their respective positions on this important issue. USTR Zoellick reiterated the United States' point of view that the status quo is unacceptable. We believe a new agreement is needed that creates a level playing field and ends the unfair support that Airbus receives from launch aid. As the President has said, we think these subsidies are unfair and we will pursue all options to end these subsidies -- including bringing a WTO case, if need be. We will continue to consult with domestic stakeholders and the Congress, along with officials in Europe, and we will soon make a determination as to next steps."