Strasbourg, 26/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution drafted by Robert Sturdy (ECR, UK) and Vital Moreira (S&D, Portugal) adopted in plenary on Friday 26 October, the European Parliament slammed Russia's protectionist measures and laid down expectations for the continuation of talks on a partnership and cooperation deal with the EU.
In the resolution, the Parliament regretted that Russia is not at present showing itself to be up to the mark of its future obligations as a member of the World Trade Organisation, which it joined officially in August 2012. The Parliament accuses Moscow of introducing and then expanding many trade restrictions, like a ban on live animal imports from the EU, national preference clauses for public procurement markets, a vehicle recycling law that taxes imports, and seasonal sugar import quotas for a type of sugar. It invites Russia to respect its WTO pledges to reduce and substantially consolidate customs duty. Regretting the “persistent” problem of counterfeiting in Russia, the Parliament calls Moscow to take measures to protect intellectual property rights and meet its WTO commitments as part of the TRIPS deal.
Pointing out that respect by Russia of its WTO commitments is a sine qua non for pursuit of talks on a new partnership and cooperation deal with the EU (which the Parliament backs), the resolution urges the European Commission to defend key European interests in the talks. MEPs highlight in this connection the use of technical rules, standards and assessment procedures to ensure conformity with EU rules; a substantial, legally-binding negotiating chapter on energy based on transparency, reciprocity and non-discrimination; removal of the Russian double-price system for products and clarification and stabilisation of registration requirements for service companies. The resolution calls for assurance of reciprocal rules and fair processes for the award of public tender contracts in Russia, reform of Russian customs procedures in line with international rules, a chapter on health and plant health measures and a chapter on liberalising the investment system. (EH/transl.fl)