Brussels, 22/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - Although they share the enthusiasm manifested at the highest political level at the idea of a transatlantic free-trade zone, the members of the European Parliament warn of the difficulties to come, due to the considerable cultural differences between Europe and the United States.
Welcoming Commissioner Karel De Gucht on Thursday 21 February, the members of the committee on international trade of the European Parliament lent their support to the joint decision of the EU and the United States, announced on 13 February, to negotiate a free-trade agreement (see EUROPE 10785), but warned that it would not be easy to “conclude a deal” which is acceptable to the European citizens.
Beyond the future trade opportunities, beyond the prospects of growth and employment, most of the MEPs stressed the systemic differences between the EU and the United States, where considerable negative criticism on the part of the general public may be expressed. They pointed out that the unreserved support of the general public on both sides of the Atlantic, whose societal choices are in some cases diametrically opposed to each other, will be vital in order for a free-trade agreement to become reality.
Across all political parties, several MEPs reiterated the considerable differences between the EU and the United States on questions related to agriculture, food and health, such as hormone-treated beef, genetically modified organisms and geographical indications. The president of the committee on international trade, Vital Moreira (S&D, Portugal), anticipates that the chapters on the trade in animals and phytosanitary standards will be the greatest bones of contention in the coming negotiations. The Green Yannick Jadot (Greens/EFA, France) also highlighted the major differences of opinion over the notion of public service and over cultural and audiovisual services. “These differences come down to collective preferences and societal choices, which can be neither ignored nor swept aside to facilitate negotiations”, he stressed. His compatriot Marielle De Sarnez (ALDE) also laid emphasis on the importance of preserving the cultural exception. Paul Murphy (GUE /NGL, Ireland) and Franziska Keller (Greens/EFA, Germany) stressed the chapter on intellectual property, warning that EU/US free-trade negotiations should not be a means, one way or another, of resuscitating the ACTA agreement, which was promoted by the transatlantic partners.
Commissioner De Gucht acknowledged the “existence of enormous cultural differences” which, he stressed, “will be the toughest issues to overcome”. In mid-March, he will present the Council with his draft negotiation mandate in the hope of being able to launch talks in mid-June (our translation throughout). (EH/transl.fl)