EU ministers discuss trade, Ukraine in Athens

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Ministers from the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council are holding an informal meeting in Athens that is due to focus on a trade agreement being negotiated between the EU and United States, but is also likely to address the Ukrainian crisis.

Friday morning's discussions focused on the deal known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which seeks to remove trade barriers between the 28-nation bloc and the U.S. Negotiations began in July.

The ministers were also expected to discuss recent developments in Ukraine and the free trade agreement the 28-nation bloc has with the country, the Greek EU presidency said.

Greece currently holds the bloc's rotating six-month presidency, during which it is hosting a series of informal ministers' meetings in Athens.