My MEP Robert Sturdy is fuming at the way EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has reneged on vital trade agreements with ACP countries.
We have issued the following press release condemning Mandeleson’s proposal for regional agreements to be reached instead:
Conservative MEP Robert Sturdy yesterday condemned Mr Mandelson’s u-turn over the critical trade agreements between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries (ACP).
Last month, Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, repeatedly squashed calls for alternative options to the so-called Economic Partnership Agreements which will define Europe’s trade relations with ACP countries for the next 15 years and are due to concluded by the end of 2007. He said that there was no other legal option which meets WTO compatible market access arrangements.
But yesterday, the Commission admitted defeat by saying that negotiations would not after all be completed by the end of the year. In a surprise move, the European Commission negotiators, led by Mr Mandelson, have proposed sub-regional agreements, which will be signed by just some of the countries within the six regions, with others to follow at a later date.
Mr Sturdy said: "This is complete chaos. Mr Mandelson’s comments on new trade agreements are unbelievably farcical.
“The very idea that other countries in ACP regions would join later would mean they would be signing up to a deal they had never negotiated. Does the EU really think this is a good idea? Weren’t EPAs meant to be all about regional integration?
“ACP countries should not have to choose between a trade agreement which may damage their local and regional markets on the one hand, and barriers which cripple their export markets on the other. There are still choices to be made and last minute policy shifts from the Commission do nothing to restore the confidence of the disconcerted ACP."
EPAs were intended to link trade and development policy, incorporate sustainable development and contribute to poverty reduction through facilitating trade and enable countries to become better integrated into the global economy.
Appropriately designed, they represent an opportunity to revitalise EU-ACP trading, promote economic diversification and regional integration. But negotiations have not gone smoothly.
African countries have expressed concern about this outcome. Anti-poverty activists have argued that even with this scaling down of ambition for the negotiations, the accords reached this year could have an adverse effect on jobs and earnings.
Is he still around,
gosh he’s outlived Blair.
Can’t comment on this. It is npt only far too complex, but can at best only be a mish mash of compromises. The more one puts on print the more one can criticise
PS – Elle, I did have one eye on whistleblowers last night, whilst doing other things – so I may have seen him, and not noticed. Hope you did video it, and we’ll get an exert on YouTube (or wherever).
PPS – It was a curious topic too. The conflict of interest between ‘alcopops’ marketing, underage drinking, and manufacturing jobs?
and local council planning committee licensing to build a new factory?
Q9, We are very old fashioned here and recorded Whistleblower on a VHS tape, so it will be impossible to put it on YouTube.
Ellee, I take it you’re aware of the EU’s regional proposals and RDAs. This comes as no surprise. The EU’s modus operandi is market fixing.
I am with JH on this. The EU has a lamentable record on trade and the idea that a dyed in the wool socialist like Mandelson is going to any good in his role is fantastical.
He will do what they all do; interests of french farmers fist.
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