EU postpones preparatory talks for new U.S. council in submarine dispute, diplomats say

BRUSSELS - European Union ambassadors have postponed discussions to prepare for a new EU-U.S. trade and technology council on Sept. 29 in protest at Washington's submarine agreement with Australia at France's expense, two EU diplomats said.

A public agenda document also shows the talks between the EU's 27 envoys had been withdrawn but did not give a reason. Two diplomats said the European Commission, the EU executive, had asked for the discussion to be postponed.

The inaugural EU-U.S. council, announced at a transatlantic summit in June, is due to take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told broadcaster CNN that treatment of France was "not acceptable."