Brussels, 19/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - In a draft opinion on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership (TTIP) negotiations, which has been compiled by Jerzy Buzek (EPP, Poland), chairman of the European Parliament's industry, research and energy (ITRE) committee, the ITRE committee calls on the European Commission to “maintain the objective” of including a specific energy chapter in the TTIP.
The committee also calls on the Commission to adopt a free trade policy on fuels (including LNG and crude oil) and to work on the transatlantic harmonisation of standards and regulations defining the principles of public support for different energy sources.
Underlining “the huge differentials” between the US and EU in energy prices and CO2 emissions per inhabitant, the ITRE committee asks the Commission to provide energy-intensive sectors in the EU (including the chemicals industry) with appropriate measures for maintaining current tariff rates “over the longest possible period” after the TTIP enters into force.
The Commission is also asked to ensure that the priorities and concerns of SMEs are fully taken into account, through impact assessments or targeted public consultations, and to ensure that European businesses have a more active participation in US public procurement.
While hailing the advantages of regulatory alignment and mutual recognition (including the establishment of common principles in standards and technical specifications in the area of ICT), the ITRE committee draft opinion underlines the importance of “maintaining high levels of safety and security”. As regards ICT services, the TTIP must ensure a level playing field with equal access for EU service companies to the US market and with an obligation on US service providers to respect the rules applicable to EU companies when providing services in Europe or to European customers, the draft opinion states. (Emmanuel Hagry)