Brussels, 17/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission promises to so some stock-taking with the leaders of the South American bloc countries during the forthcoming EU/Latin and Central America summit.
In a joint resolution from the EPP, S&D, ALDE and ECR Groups, adopted in plenary session in Strasbourg on Thursday 17 January, the European Parliament states its support for an association agreement between the EU and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Venezuela; Paraguay currently suspended; and Bolivia in the accession phase), which provides for a free trade area covering all economic sectors.
Despite progress made on the normative side (rules and commitment principles, including rules of origin, investment and services) since talks were reactivated in 2010, the Parliament deplores the time being taken by the talks and the fact that there is no real progress made on market access.
The EU and Mercosur have still not exchanged offers on market access concerning agricultural products and industrial products (see EUROPE 10730).
The Parliament underlines that, in order for talks to reach completion, the parties concerned must work in a spirit of openness and mutual trust. It denounces the rise of protectionism in some countries of the South American bloc, and the threats weighing on foreign investment. During the debate, several MEPs pointed a finger of blame at Argentina, which is the subject of a complaint filed by the EU with the WTO on the subject of Argentina's trade restrictions. Vital Moreira (S&D, Portugal) said that Mercosur seems to be changing into an inward-looking economy which does not want to take part in the liberalisation of global trade.
Reiterating how keen it is to include a chapter on respect of democratic principles, human rights, rule of law and social and environmental norms, the Parliament said it hoped that the EU/Mercosur ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the EU-Latin and Central America summit on 26 and 27 January in Santiago de Chile would allow the parties involved to set out clear and ambitious political commitments and to take talks forward. Commissioner Karel De Gucht has already stated his commitment to do this. (EH/transl.jl)