Strasbourg, 25/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament has adopted a resolution common to the EPP/ED, PES and ELDR groups on the agenda of the multilateral trade negotiations to be launched on the occasion of the WTO ministerial meeting in Doha, from 9 to 13 November. It thus confirms its support for "an ample agenda for the new round of negotiations (…) with a view to stimulating sustainable economic growth, and in order to strengthen, develop and reform the trading system (…) and guarantee an equitable distribution of the advantages it brings". Convinced that the terrorist attacks on the United States will have a considerable long-term impact, it stresses that the members of the WTO should agree to make, in Doha, a "clear and powerful message for the world economy whereby multilateral cooperation on freer and more equitable trade will continue". The Parliament considers the Doha conference must respond to the concerns expressed by citizens. "Top priority should therefore be granted to fixing an agenda for the negotiations, taking into account problems of poverty, development and democracy as well as links between commercial and non-commercial issues".
In its 32-page resolution, the EP examines the needs of developing countries, and urges for a real "development cycle" to be launched. Regarding democratisation and the WTO, it calls for access by the public to documents, for public hearings of the dispute settlement body and for a parliamentary assembly. It also insists on the aspects linked to safeguarding the environment and on social norms, as well as on the need to harmonise the definition of the precautionary principle.
The EP rejected (77 for, 366 against and 14 abstentions) a joint resolution by the Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL whereby the Doha Conference should, instead of launching new negotiations, answer the concerns of populations in both the North and the South regarding the "injustices of the international trading system conducted by the WTO".
Ms Neyts: Draft declaration of Doha does not live up to European expectations
Presenting a Council declaration on the multilateral trade talks to take place in Doha, Annemie Neyts felt that the opening of these negotiations would be "a strong signal for the world economy", which is suffering from the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 11 September. The new round, she said, is also important for the developing countries and for allowing the WTO to adjust. She says it must "not only liberalise but also better regulate world trade" in the context of better governance, and provide a response to the concerns relating to globalisation. The General Affairs Council will take up the issue at its session next Monday in Luxembourg. The Union is also working actively for a declaraton on access to medicinal products and for the TRIPs agreement to be adopted in Doha, noted Ms Neyts. She admitted that the draft ministerial declaration is still below European expectations with regard to all the subjects to be covered by the negotiations. She concluded by making it clear that the future talks should allow international solidarity to be reinforced, inequalities reduced and stability in the world guaranteed.
Commissioner Pascal Lamy gave his assurance that the Commission is doing everything it can to strengthen the European Parliament's participation in EU work on trade and, more generally speaking, in work of the WTO. "Like us, you also want rules for sustainable development throughout the world", he remarked. The aim of the EU is to "make globalisation a rule of law and not just a rule of thumb", and "we have now reached a point where an ambitious, balanced round that meets the Union's expectations can be envisaged", said Mr Lamy. He recognised, however, that there were difficulties, mainly with regard to: - trade and the environment: more "substance" is needed, he said, pledging to "do everything possible in coming days to improve this part of the mandate" (he added, however, that the message on the political importance of this point for us has got across with our partners); - agriculture: the will of some partners to gradually phase out a whole category of subsidies poses some problems (Mr Lamy's speech was interrupted at this point for 40 minutes by a drill for evacuation of the EP); - social: Mr Lamy restated "our ambition is to have international and multi-institutional dialogue" on this subject. He said that "a work programme cannot be a substitute for negotiation". After, he also returned to the need to find a solution for guaranteeing poor countries' access to medicines. He invited the Parliament to adopt a resolution giving a clear signal that the Union will not be content with a "business as usual" result.
Ikka Suominen, from Finland, spoke on behalf of the EPP-ED Group. She said she was convinced that the attacks on the United States will have a considerable long-term impact but that, in Doha, one must send a clear and powerful signal on pursuit of the liberalisation process. Those who consider that one should "get rid of free trade" and give preference to bilateral relations must know that this would lead to protectionism and pose a threat for democracy, she pounded home. Speaking on behalf of the PES, Margrietus van den Berg, from the Netherlands, urged in favour of launching a wide agenda for the new WTO round so that the latter might be reformed and globalisation brought under "democratic control". Other priorities, she said, include employment and the fight against world poverty. The integration of environmental considerations in the WTO takes on great importance in the eyes of the Liberals, said British Liberal Democrat Nicholas Cregg, who felt that it is a matter of fundamental principles and not a luxury. "Without these provisions, the negotiation cycle would be unbearable", he said. On behalf of the Greens, British national Caroline Lucas pointed out that the reform of WTO procedures and rules remains a precondition for opening up a new round of talks. The Greens consider that the 4th ministerial conference must provide an opportunity to examine the failings, the "lack of legitimacy" of the multilateral trade system and also to promote reform of the WTO. "Neither asymmetric nor unfair procedures must be set in place", insisted Philippe Herzog (GUE/NGL, France) speaking on behalf of his group. William Abitbol (EDD, F) also denounced the lack of legitimacy not only of the WTO but also of the Commission, which shows proof of "conceit in wanting to become a substitute for the thousand year old history of our old nations". According to Benedetto Della Vedova (Lista Bonino), the WTO agenda must not be too full of secondary subjects likely to slow down the opening of markets - which should remain the main objective.