“We made great progress on a number of important issues in 2007, and barring a couple of remaining issues, an FTA between the two blocs is likely to happen in 2008,” she told Gulf Times.
Ferrero-Waldner, an Austrian, recalled that the agreement stalled in the 90s because the GCC did not have a customs union.
“But since the establishment of the union in 2002, we moved forward very quickly,” she said.
The official would not elaborate on issues where progress was made saying: “A good negotiator never gives out details when the process is ongoing.”
On pending issues, such as the EU’s demands for GCC action on democratic reforms and human rights, Waldner said: “Only two to three technical details remain to be chalked out by the GCC.”
“These things (agreements) require flexibility from both sides along with great political will. And I think GCC countries, and especially the leadership in Qatar have shown strong will.”
Ferrero-Waldner’s visit to Qatar was part of an official tour that included Saudi Arabia and Bahrain “to explore the scope for further engagement in the region.”
A statement she read out yesterday said: “The importance of the Gulf region for the EU is evident in all areas including economic and trade relations and of course also foreign policy and energy. It is time for us to be more ambitious about our relations, to the advantage of our countries and citizens.”
On energy, Ferrero-Walnder said: “Energy security is at the top of the EU foreign policy agenda. The role of the Gulf region for the EU in security of energy supplies is obvious. We have a mutual interest in developing our energy partnership. The EU is a huge market for hydrocarbon electricity and renewable energy from the Gulf.”
When asked about the Nato plans to expand, the official refused to comment saying “Nato is out of the realm of EU”.
On a separate question on Nato’s role in Afghanistan, she said: “We (the EU) have been working on reconstruction projects (schools, hospitals, roads, police and judges’ training) and are glad to claim that almost 50% of the country has access to hospitals.”
“While Nato is working on training the military, we are working on rural development in a civilian way. The best thing would be the Afghans taking ownership.”
“In Iraq, EU has given 800mn euros for construction, trade and economic enhancements since 2003. We also think that Iraq’s neighbours should help the Iraqis in any way they can.”
On Turkey’s possible inclusion in the 27-member bloc, Waldner said: “Turkey remains a candidate. It’s on its way to the membership, but that’s a long way. The country needs to push political and economic reforms first.”
“This is a very important club (EU). If you want to be a member, you have to comply with certain guidelines.”
