Online Gambling Next Issue For USTR Meetings with EU

Next on the fast-track agenda for US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and his EU counterpart is the subject of online gambling, and how trade agreements affect commerce in services such as Internet casinos.

The lead officials in trade talks between the US and the EU are conducting friendlier negotiations than in the recent past, and promise to try to resolve long-simmering conflicts. Next on the fast-track agenda for US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and his EU counterpart is the subject of online gambling, and how trade agreements affect commerce in services such as Internet casinos.

Both Kirk and EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton agreed fighting protectionism must be a top priority. Online gambling operators considered this a very positive sign, as EU online casino operators have despaired over US protectionist actions.

Both also swore to push the Doha Agenda, which emphasizes the need to support free trade with poorer third-world countries to help them develop. Antigua is a small, poor country suffering from the adverse affects of a US constraint of trade regarding Internet gambling.

Ashton announced the official release of the EU investigation into US online gaming policies would be released next week. However, word had already been leaked the the study found more than ample ground for an EU complaint to the World Trade Organization.

EU leaders have said they would prefer to reserve that option, hoping amicable negotiations can stop the US selective persecution of European online casino operators.

A deal struck between Ashton and Kirk regarding the importation of beef led both trade officials to be cautiously optimistic the online gambling issue could be settled with similar ease.

Sources within the EU delegation say it was refreshing to receive respectful treatment after being summarily ignored by the Bush administration.