The Socialists and Democrats (S&Ds) are pushing for a new dynamic in trade, so that international trade agreements contribute to sustainable economic growth and jobs, benefit people and enhance labour rights and environmental standards. The ten progressive principles of the S&D Group can be found here.

S&D members of the international trade committee today put forward these goals during a parliamentary exchange with EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström and high representatives of the WTO, UNCTAD, IMF and OECD.

S&D spokesperson on trade, David Martin MEP, said:

“It is almost universally acknowledged that increased trade brings increased wealth. But there is nothing automatic about this wealth being shared fairly amongst those in society, and nothing automatic that says this growth will be achieved in a sustainable manner.

“This is why trade needs strong rules to go alongside market-opening. Modern trade agreements have the potential to set these rules, and the EU should therefore be using these deals to promote high social and environmental standards across the globe.

“The EU’s external trade regime has been a success by many measures: One in seven jobs in Europe now depend on exports to the rest of the world, and global markets have been essential for EU firms and their workers in a time of recession at home. However, it is also clear that under-regulated globalisation has left many behind, leading to a popular backlash and renewed calls for protectionism.

“Now is the time to rethink and re-shape EU trade policy for the future. Now is the time to reclaim trade as a public good.”