Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
Kader Arif, Socialist and Democrat spokesperson on international trade, this week urged the EU trade commissioner, Karel de Gucht, to deliver on his pledge to publish the ACTA text, either upon completion of the negotiating round being held in Japan in late September or at a later time.
"The public debate must take place, particularly within this Parliament. Therefore I will be calling for a resolution as soon as the text is published in order for you take our viewpoint on board prior to any ACTA signature, even if this means returning to the negotiating table," stressed the S&D Group member.
Socialists and Democrats have consistently denounced the lack of transparency in the conduct of the negotiations. Under the Lisbon Treaty the Parliament now wields greater power and must ratify all international trade agreements, yet the Commission does not show sufficient signs of taking this into account.
"Your officials have been here today, answering our questions behind closed doors, yet we are forbidden from saying anything outside these meetings. The Commission is wrapping this sacred veil of confidentiality around us when it is our role is to inform, explain and help people understand the issue," emphasised Kader Arif.
The members of the S&D Group also reiterated their concerns, in particular on the rights and freedoms of European citizens, net neutrality and access to generic drugs.
Victoria Martín de la Torre
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Associated media
Kader Arif, Socialist and Democrat spokesperson on international trade, this week urged the EU trade commissioner, Karel de Gucht, to deliver on his pledge to publish the ACTA text, either upon completion of the negotiating round being held in Japan in late September or at a later time.
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