Brussels, 07/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - As we already indicated (see EUROPE 6 February p 8), the European Commission is proposing that in negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda, the Union maintains control of public services while making partial tenders and in certain conditions total offers to its trade partners on a number of other services, including transport, post, telecommunications, distribution an customer services that involve temporary personnel migration. Here are some of the concrete examples:
Foreign financial institutions that san establish and develop a complete range of activities in Europe (insurance, banking, investment funds etc.), without discrimination (i.e. full access);
Foreign operators having the right to provide maritime services, including activities linked to loading and unloading as well as agency services;
Telecom operators being able to get involved in other activities, such as electronic services and being able to provide services in other countries of the Union;
In the information technology sector (where the project is attempting to respond to the interest of developing countries such as India, which seek greater access to the European market), information technology experts in third countries cold thence offer after-sales services and repairs, as well as networks on European territory;
The same treatment would be reserved for both European and non-European citizens who seek to open large stores and licenses could be issued on a non-discriminatory basis;
Foreign courier and postal service providers could carry out their activities freely in single market;;
Foreign providers of professional services would be able to gain better access to the European market for activities that would be of interest to a large number of partners, notably developing countries, such as accountancy, architecture and engineering;
The EU would make further commitments on facilities granted to companies from third countries that wish to temporarily bring personnel to Europe (transfers of "leaders of the future" or those on courses to gain a year's work experience at a European subsidiary, sending personnel for repairs and maintenance, secondment of professionals to specific sectors for a maximum six month period etc).
The Commission made commitments in front of the press to unveil the totality of its European offers once the double test of the Council of Ministers and the competent committee of the European Parliament is passed. This would be a first-ever achievement in the annals of multilateral negotiations.