My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development is in regular contact with his EU counterparts, both informally and during formal encounters in Brussels. The most prominent recent discussions on reducing trade barriers to goods from developing countries have related to the adoption of a series of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the European Union and some 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACPs). EPAs will allow full access to European markets for ACP country goods as of this year for those who sign them, apart from a few interim arrangements. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State held important and extensive talks on EPAs with his EU counterparts before and at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 19-20 November 2007.