Greens disappointed by the changes in the interpretation of Schröder report
The European Parliament adopted the Schröder report on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), sidelining an alternative resolution – co-signed by Greens – that set out a fairer and more socially and environmentally responsible approach to trade between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
UK Green MEP Caroline Lucas, member of the European Parliament's international trade committee, commented: "I am disappointed that a Conservative-Liberal majority in the European Parliament has today succeeded in reinforcing unfair economic partnership agreements. Trade should offer a good deal for all countries, but EPAs have today been given free rein to continue a shameful EU tradition of social and environmental exploitation in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
In 2000, the EU committed to examine all alternatives to EPAs for countries unable to enter into such agreements and to consider socio-economic effects and the partner country's level of development. It has however ignored its own commitments and the concerns of ACP governments, NGOs, churches and others and persists with bullying and divisive tactics, pressing for free trade bilateral deals with individual countries instead of systematically striking cohesive deals for wider regions. If these EPAs are as beneficial as some claim, why does the EU need to apply so much pressure for developing countries to sign?
The Greens had called for the European Parliament to delay its vote on assent to allow democratic debate in African, Caribbean and Pacific parliaments. Conservative and Liberal MEPs have however imposed their vision of free trade that too often means the EU is free of responsibility for socially and environmentally sustainable development. Unfettered trade might bring profits to global corporations but benefits simply do not trickle down to the people who need them most. If the European Union was serious about social and environmental standards, it would uphold these values beyond its backyard. Today has shown that the EU talks development, but votes big business."
Link to the text adopted February the 5th :
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