On Wednesday 30 May, the European Parliament adopted by 499 votes to 91 with 54 abstentions a resolution prepared by Tokia Saïfi (EPP, France) on implementation of EU trade policy since the Commission’s new trade strategy was launched in October 2015 (see EUROPE 11410).
The resolution includes a series of proposals to make EU trade policy more effective, transparent and adapted to a developing global context (including the United States’ disengagement from the multilateral trading system), to the rise in the trade of services and electronic trade, and to the growing demand for public scrutiny (see EUROPE 12008).
In particular, Parliament calls on the Commission to quickly present an impact analysis of Brexit, setting out the different options for future trading relations between the EU and the United Kingdom.
MEPs calls for negotiating briefs to be published and for them to be reviewed every five years, if necessary, as well as more information on the real impact of all free trade agreements on growth and employment.
In addition, they recommend heightened prevention of the threats weighing upon the European social model and the environment and call for protection of the right of national authorities regarding public services.
They also demand appropriate action given the unfair trading practices of third countries and underline the need for greater opening of third country public procurement.
Parliament also calls for greater legal, administrative and technical support for SMEs via new instruments.
MEPs call for strengthened application and follow-up of the chapters on trade and sustainable development, with greater involvement by civil society, and for the social accountability of businesses to be included in trade agreements.
They also request a proposal on banning imports of goods made by forced labour or child labour. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)