13/02/2019 (Agence Europe) – Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany) will propose a draft resolution to MEPs that stands against trade negotiation mandates with the United States regarding the elimination of tariffs on industrial products and the conformity assessment (see EUROPE 12175). In his text, the Socialist MEP said he was “surprised” by the Commission's recommendations when it said it had excluded negotiations under the threat of sanctions. Highlighting seemingly contradictory negotiating objectives between the two entities (see EUROPE 12171), Mr Lange deplored, among other things, the exclusion of the automotive sector from the negotiations. Finally, he called on the EU to give priority to trading partners who share its vision, both in terms of multilateralism and climate change. Mr Lange believes that the conditions for negotiating these agreements “will not lead to an outcome in line with the interests of European citizens” and has invited the Council not to endorse them. (HD)