HC Deb 14 November 1991 vol 198 cc644-5W
Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further steps are proposed by the European Community to assist the Baltic states in their efforts to create genuine independent economic conditions and policies.

Mr. Garel-Jones

The Foreign Affairs Council on 4 November agreed negotiating directives for the European Commission to negotiate trade and co-operation agreements with the three Baltic states. These would provide a framework for the liberalisation of trading relations between the European Community and the Baltic states, and encourage the process of economic reform. The Community has also extended its PHARE programme of technical assistance to include the Baltic states.