EU-US Trade and Tech Council Convenes in Belgium, April 2024
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The sixth ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) took place in Leuven, Belgium, on 4 and 5 April 2024. It was co-chaired by European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager, European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, joined by European Commissioner Thierry Breton, and hosted by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The meeting addressed significant geopolitical developments and challenges, including Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the escalation of violence in the Middle East. The European Union and the United States remain committed to supporting Ukraine and addressing global economic pressure through non-market policies and practices. The meeting also focused on the digital transformation, cooperation on critical and emerging technologies such as AI and quantum technologies, and the promotion of sustainable trade and clean energy transition. The TTC aims to foster interoperability, support common democratic values, and protect human rights while promoting innovation. Key outcomes of the meeting include advancing transatlantic leadership on critical and emerging technologies, post-quantum cryptography coordination, the road to 6G wireless communication systems, semiconductors, biotechnology cooperation, and cooperation on standards for critical and emerging technologies and clean energy transition. The TTC also discussed trade, security, and economic prosperity, including economic security measures, export controls, and investment screening. The meeting highlighted the importance of defending human rights and values in the digital environment, protecting information integrity, cooperation on online platforms, protecting human rights defenders online, and addressing foreign information manipulation and interference. The TTC reaffirmed the commitment to transparency and stakeholder involvement in its work and the importance of talent development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The European Union and the United States will continue to cooperate on strategic trade and technology issues and engage with stakeholders to shape the future of the TTC.

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https://www.miragenews.com/eu-us-trade-and-tech-council-convenes-in-1209539/