SEOUL REPORTS FTA PROGRESS.

The negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union and South Korea seems to be advancing well. "Progress was made" at a new round of talks in Vienna last month, confirmed South Korea's Deputy Trade Minister Ahn Ho-Young, in Seoul on 7 January. The South Korean officials have pledged to seal an agreement before the end of March.

The Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU Council Presidency this half-year, hopes to bring to successful conclusion the negotiations for a free trade agreement with South Korea. The talks began in May 2007 and are in their final phase today. The agreement would be the biggest yet for the EU. For the moment, the talks are stumbling...