MEPs approved, on Thursday 26 November, by 593 votes to 50 with 50 abstentions the resolution on the trade policy review. The text had been the subject of several compromise amendments. These have satisfied political groups concerned about compliance with the rules of international trade and wishing to introduce sanctions, as well as groups wanting above all to open up the market (see EUROPE 12608/1).
Only two amendments by German MEP Helmut Scholz (GUE/NGL) were rejected. They concerned the inclusion of binding obligations to combat climate change and respect for the right to unionise in non-Member State companies.
The rapporteur, Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany), congratulated the European Parliament on the adoption of his report: “Parliament supports a sustainable, strong and assertive policy”. At the beginning of 2021, the European Commission will present its proposal for a new European trade policy. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)