SUMMARY :

• FESI met with DG Trade and the Indonesian Embassy to discuss the FTA ratification and related trade issues. The EU-Indonesia CEPA ratification process is moving forward, but the timeline remains challenging.

More details :

Last week, FESI met with DG Trade and, as part of the CEPA Coalition, with the Indonesian Embassy to discuss the EU-Indonesia CEPA ratification process and related bilateral trade issues.

Please find attached the minutes of both meetings. The main takeaways are the following:

• Timeline remains tight: a Council vote is not expected before the end of October, with signature likely in November.
• Member State positions: Italy has lifted its objections to the proposed language arrangements, while France remains concerned; the decision will ultimately be taken by qualified majority vote.
• European Parliament process: the EP has already started preparatory work, and the process could move relatively quickly once the file is formally transmitted.
• No interim solution expected: DG Trade confirmed that no bridging solution is foreseen in case of a tariff gap between Indonesia’s loss of GSP status and CEPA entry into force.
• Industry outreach remains important: both DG Trade and the Indonesian side underlined the need to maintain political momentum, including through outreach towards Member States and MEPs.
• Halal Product Assurance requirements: DG Trade is closely following the issue and is pushing for a two-year postponement. The Indonesian side also acknowledged that the current framework is complex and unclear and indicated that further clarifications would be sought.

Overall, the key message is clear: the process is moving forward, but the timeline remains challenging. Swift ratification will be essential to avoid unnecessary disruption once Indonesia loses its GSP status at the end of the year.

FESI will continue engaging with the Commission, Member States, MEPs and Indonesian counterparts, and will keep you updated on next steps.