The Washington Post has reiterated the need to swiftly ratify the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement.

In an editorial called, "As Washington dithers, Europe races ahead on trade," the Post said the trade pacts between the United States and South Korea, Colombia and Panama remain stalled with Congress’ August recess looming.

It blasted the Republicans and Democrats for playing last-minute hardball based on each parties respective ideological bases.

The article urged both sides to focus less on pleasing their camps and more on figuring out a politically realistic plan for passing the free-trade agreements as soon as possible.

The Post noted the FTA between South Korea and the European Union took effect Friday, saying that European workers got a head start in the race for jobs.