The delegation, which main objective was to evaluate the benefits of the agreement, met with government officials, business associations, labor unions and  civil society representatives of Peru, as well as the head of EU delegation in Peru, Hans Allden.

In addition, Porres noted that the European Parliament would ratify the agreement in September, 2012.

She also stated that to enter into force, the treaty needs to be ratified by the European Parliament and the 27 national parliaments.

Porres added that the FTA will come into force next year, but she declined to give an exact date because it depends on the time taken to complete the ratification process.

The EESC, established in 1957 as a forum to discuss issues regarding the single market, gives Europe's interest groups, trade unionists, employers, farmers, a formal say on EU legislative proposals.

It has 344 members drawn from economic and social interest groups across Europe. Members are nominated by national governments and appointed by the Council of the European Union for a renewable 5-year term.

(END) LVT/MOC/LVT