Brussels, 17/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - With the European Parliament's seventh legislature coming to a close, its Socialists and Democrats Group (S&D) has this week defined the red lines on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership agreement (TTIP) between the EU and the US.
“There are ridiculous rumours, half-truths and outright lies circulating about the TTIP negotiations. In reality, this trade and investment partnership has huge potential to create jobs and generate growth in Europe. Therefore, we will carry on playing our part in the negotiations, with the red lines that European standards on social and labour rights cannot be undercut”, said S&D leader Hannes Swoboda (Austria) in Strasbourg on 17 April - on the sidelines of the last plenary session before the European elections. “The TTIP negotiations are being abused in the European election campaign. Some have already stated they would reject the deal - no matter what is in it - and some will continue supporting it - no matter what is in it. The Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament will push hard for constructive improvements, job creation and opportunities for small and medium enterprises in Europe. Only when the negotiations are concluded will we decide whether to vote in favour or against it, based on the content of the agreement”, Swoboda stated.
For the TTIP to be of benefit, its standards on employment, consumer protection and food safety must not be compromised, says the S&D Group - which has set out its position in a detailed document. The agreement must include the regulation of financial services, as well as arrangement to strengthen labour rights in the US. The S&D Group also affirms its opposition to the inclusion in the future agreement of a mechanism for regulating investor-state disputes (ISDS). It also demands increased transparency and the publication of all the fundamental documents - including the negotiating mandate. Lastly, the S&D Group calls for full EU legislation on data protection, separate from the TTIP¨. (EH)