Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
The international trade committee today decided by a strong majority not to refer the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) to the European Court of Justice.
S&D spokesperson on trade, Euro MP Bernd Lange, said:
"It was made very clear today that members of the European Parliament are ready to decide on ACTA. There have been intense discussions and we have heard many arguments in favour and against.
"Today's decision not to ask for legal advice from the Court of Justice is the first sign that this Parliament is ready to reject ACTA. It was a mistake from the beginning to put counterfeited goods and internet content in the same agreement.
"The European Parliament was not involved in the negotiations and now we are asked to say either yes or no, without the possibility of amending the shortcomings. We cannot support the text as it is.
"We Socialists and Democrats will hold a public debate with civil society on April 12 and the rapporteur David Martin will present a draft report on April 26. After that, we will very soon have the chance to vote it in the plenary. ACTA will probably be buried before the summer."
Euro S&D MP David Martin, who is the author of the ACTA report in the European Parliament, said:
"Some thought that my proposal to refer ACTA to the Court of Justice was a political trick to delay the decision. My intention, on the contrary, was to shed some light that would help members of Parliament make their decision.
"However, MEPs today showed they are ready to vote. I am glad that the calendar is clear now and things will move faster. We need to stop discussing the procedure and start the political debate on the content."
Victoria Martín de la Torre
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'We will soon have the chance to put an end to ACTA' says Bernd Lange. 'It was made very clear today that members of the European Parliament are ready to decide on ACTA. There have been intense discussions and we have heard many arguments in favour and against.'
Euro S&D MP David Martin, who is the author of the ACTA report in the European Parliament, said: 'Some thought that my proposal to refer ACTA to the Court of Justice was a political trick to delay the decision. My intention, on the contrary, was to shed some light that would help members of Parliament make their decision'
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