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European Union

Peter Mandelson: EU Trade Czar Brings Diplomacy and Experience to High-Stakes Negotiations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson brings a wealth of experience and diplomacy to his new role as the trade czar for the European Union, the 25-nation trade and regulatory alliance, and America's largest trading partner. Mandelson, 51, takes over the trade post in November, and arrives in Washington tonight for meetings with members of Congress and business leaders. As part of his new role, Mandelson will be tasked with settling a massive trade dispute over aircraft subsidies between the US and the EU, worth billions of dollars and euros.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mandelson has a long history of experience in trade negotiations, including his time as trade commissioner for the EU, and has successfully negotiated between rival parties and factions in Northern Ireland.
  • As trade commissioner, Mandelson must represent 25 nations, master complex issues on tariffs and trade, and represent Britain within the EU.
  • Mandelson wants to introduce himself around Capitol Hill, and smooth tensions left by his predecessor, Pascal Lamy, on issues such as Boeing-Airbus and genetically modified foods.
  • Congress was upset by a culmination of positions taken by Europe just as Lamy was leaving, and Mandelson believes it's essential to establish good personal connections with Congress members.
  • Mandelson is a former TV producer, and was one of the key architects of Britain's New Labour party, alongside Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
  • He was forced to step down as head of the Department of Trade and Industry at Christmas 1998 after taking a loan from a minister whose dealings were under investigation by Mandelson's own department.
  • Mandelson has a reputation for being a worthy negotiator, and has a passion for politics, which he inherited from his late grandfather, Baron Herbert Morrison of Lambeth.

Statistics:

  • 97% of EU-US trade is "dispute-free".
  • The massive trade dispute over aircraft subsidies between the US and the EU is worth billions of dollars and euros.
  • Mandelson has been in the EU trade commissioner role since 2004.
  • 25 nations are represented in the EU trade agreement.

Sources:

  • BBC
  • USA TODAY research
  • Pierre Verdy, AFP

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