![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/525000/images/_525430_mikemorre150.jpg)
That is the bleak assessment of the European Union, with just 12 days to go before the launch of a new trade round in Seattle.
Finnish Trade Minister Kimmo Sasi told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that after three months of preparations under the auspices of the World Trade Organisation in Geneva, there was still no agreement on the agenda.
"I have to admit that the situation in Geneva is very difficult indeed at the moment. There are many differences in opinion on the main questions of the negotiations," he said.
He admitted that despite the EU best efforts, many basic questions would now have to be decided during the meeting in Seattle itself.
"It is our intention to bring about a declaration that has as few open (undecided) points as possible. I think, however, that there are many solutions that only can be made in the (Seattle) ministerial meeting," he said.
The Millennium round
Trade ministers from around the world are due to gather on 30 November to launch a new trade round.
World trade has been the engine of economic growth in the post-war years, but moves to liberalise trade have become more difficult as issues like the environment and food saftey come to prominence.
The United States and many developing countries would like the trade talks to focus on further liberalisation of agriculture.
But the EU, which has already been forced to change its system of agricultural subsidies, wants a broader trade agenda which includes investment, environmental protection, and labour standards.
The trade talks have received a boost from the agreeement between China and the United States which clears the way for China, the world's ninth largest exporter, to become a member of the WTO.
In return, it has agreed to open its markets further to Western trade and investment.
UK hopes
Meanwhile, the UK government has also set out its hopes for the trade round.
Stephen Byers, the Trade Secretary said that the UK would back trade liberalisation which would benefit rich and poor countries alike.
"As we prepare for Seattle, we need to be clear that protectionism anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere. Closing off national economies only increases national and international instability. Across the world it is the poorest and most vulnerable people who will suffer," he said.
The UK delegation to the trade talks, headed by Mr Byers, will include a representative of non-governmental organisations for the first time ever, he announced.
Thousands of activists concerned about the environment, child labour and third world development are expected to gather in Seattle to protest the meeting.
WTO hails China deal
(15 Nov 99 | The Economy)
WTO talks start
(25 Oct 99 | The Economy)
WTO's labour battle
(22 Oct 99 | The Economy)
World trade talks could stall
(20 Oct 99 | The Economy)
WTO hits back at eco-critics
(18 Oct 99 | The Economy)
EU Trade Directorate
UK Department of Trade and Industry
US Trade Representative
WTO
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Inquiry into energy provider loyalty
Brown considers IMF job
Chinese imports boost US trade gap
No longer Liffe as we know it
The growing threat of internet fraud
House passes US budget
Online share dealing triples
Rate fears as sales soar
Brown's bulging war-chest
Oil reaches nine-year high
UK unemployment falls again
Trade talks deadlocked
US inflation still subdued
Insolvent firms to get breathing space
Bank considered bigger rate rise
UK pay rising 'too fast'
Utilities face tough regulation
CBI's new chief named
US stocks hit highs after rate rise
US Fed raises rates
UK inflation creeps up
Row over the national shopping basket
Military airspace to be cut
TUC warns against following US
World growth accelerates
Union merger put in doubt
Japan's tentative economic recovery
EU fraud costs millions
CBI choice 'could wreck industrial relations'
WTO hails China deal
US business eyes Chinese market
Red tape task force
Websites and widgets
Guru predicts web surge
Malaysia's economy: The Sinatra Principle
Shell secures Iranian oil deal
Irish boom draws the Welsh
China deal to boost economy
US dream scenario continues
Japan's billion dollar spending spree