The European Parliament's main progressive group, the 184-strong Socialists and Democrats, will stream and live blog a round table discussion on the anti-counterfeiting trade agreement ACTA this week on http://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu

 

Euro MPs today called for public participation in the discussions. Visitors to the website will be able to watch the debate live and to post comments and questions on the blog or via Skype Video Conference.

 

The discussions will be led by two senior Euro MPs who are experts on the issues involved: 

 

In 2007, the EU and a number of other WTO members began work on ACTA. Their aim is to have a new multilateral treaty improving global standards for the enforcement of international property rights and more effectively combating trade in counterfeit and pirated goods. Civil society, however, has raised concerns over the potential threat to privacy rights, access to Internet and access to cheap generic medicines.

 

Members of the European Parliament complained about the secrecy of the negotiations and have criticized the European Commission for not complying with the Lisbon Treaty. With the new Treaty, all international agreements should be approved by the European Parliament and MEPs should be informed during the negotiating process.

 

The 8th round of the ACTA negotiations will take place in Wellington, New Zealand from April 12-16, 2010.

 

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Associated media

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