EU Parliament Committee Backs Moves to Launch EU-U.S. Trade Talks But Voices Concerns
The European Parliament International Trade (INTA) Committee said Feb. 21 they're excited about plans for an EU-U.S. free trade pact but warned Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht that hard bargaining will be needed if the deal is to be acceptable to Europeans. During a debate with De Gucht, most committee members stressed systemic differences between the EU and U.S. which could spark strong public criticism, and said public backing is essential for the agreement to become a reality, INTA said.
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The biggest bone of contention will be animal and plant health standards, said INTA Chairman Vital Moreira, of Portugal and the Socialists and Democrats. Other members voiced concerns about genetically modified crops, hormones in beef, and the need to protect the EU's geographical indication system. Several legislators asked whether Parliament's positions on intellectual property rights and data protection will be respected. Some “voiced fears about 'sneaking [the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement] in through the back door.'”
The European Commission plans to submit a negotiating mandate to the Council in March. A unanimous vote by governments is needed to launch the talks, and it's expected in mid-June, INTA said. (See ITT's Online Archives 13022114).