Brussels, 16/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament's legal affairs committee (JURI) debated the draft directive on trade secrets on Thursday 16 April. Rapporteur Constance Le Grip (EPP, France) said that she hoped “the most solid agreement possible would be reached, without losing sight of the goal I have set - protecting European competitiveness”.
There is no lack of points of contention, however, as may be seen from the 300 amendments put down. “But virtually none call the relevance of a piece of European legislation of this sort into question”, insisted Le Grip. Among the areas of friction are infringements of public interest. Several associations have already expressed their concerns, particularly with regard to freedom of information
Le Grip pointed out that she had tightened up the text on this point, for example, through amendments 6 and 7. Several MEPS, including the Greens and Socialists, called for stronger protection, however. On the very morning of 16 April, addressing the press, Le Grip was somewhat vague as to whether or not protection for journalists should be strengthened. “This is a sensitive issue and that makes it difficult to handle”, she acknowledged before the committee. “My draft report seeks to find a balance between effective security for our businesses and ensuring our continued fundamental freedoms”, she added.
She also stated that she was paying close attention to concerns over workers' freedom to move from one company to another, which she did not wish to impede. The issue of limitation periods was also broached: in her amendment 28, Le Grip calls for this to be extended to three years. Shadow rapporteur Sergio Cofferati (S&D, Italy) would prefer a shorter limitation period. After a few years, he argued, it is difficult to assess exactly the extent of the damage caused by the disclosure or use of a trade secret. (Jean Comte)