Strasbourg, 24/05/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament has welcomed the commitments taken by the EU to increase its aid to trade for the developing countries, and trusts it will be duly involved in preparing for and adopting the joint strategy (member states/Commission) on this for the year 2007. Following its rapporteur, David Martin (PES, Britain), a large majority of the Parliament (598 votes to 33 and 32 abstentions) said, on 23 May in Strasbourg, that the joint strategy must define the general principles of EU aid to trade, set up a working programme together with specific recommendations allowing the EU to reach if not exceed the aim of €2 billion per year by 2010, finalise arrangements for coordination and concrete implementation, and set up mechanisms to enhance transparency, follow-up and control. (an)