France Seeks to Freeze EU Trade Talks Until After April Vote
- New Zealand, Chile talks among those Paris seeks to pause
- Trade pacts have been weaponized in previous French elections
Emmanuel Macron
Photographer: Lisi Niesner/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
France is trying to block the European Union from conducting talks on pending trade deals until after its presidential election in April, when incumbent Emmanuel Macron faces a crowded field of candidates.
Discussions are ongoing between Paris and the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm that plays the central role in trade negotiations, according to people familiar with the matter. A French diplomat confirmed Paris will oppose trade talks.