Robert Sturdy challenges Mandelson over changes to trade agreements.
Euro MP Robert Sturdy yesterday called on the European Commission to provide greater clarity in its pursuit of trade agreements between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries.
Economic Partnership Agreements will define Europe's trade relations with ACP countries for the next 15 years and are due to concluded by the end of 2007, but have been subject to a great deal of criticism over the past few years.
Last month, Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson spoke to the parliament's trade committee and yet again reiterated his commitment to reaching full, and comprehensive economic partnership agreements with all interested ACP countries and regions as planned. He has repeatedly squashed calls for alternative options to be investigated on the grounds that there was, or is, no other legal option which meets WTO compatible market access arrangements.
But yesterday, the Commission published a Communication on EPAs which at long last acknowledged the impossibility of completing negotiations by the end of 2007 as previously planned. In a surprise move, the European Commission negotiators, led by Mr Mandelson, have proposed sub-regional agreements, which will be signed by just some of the countries within the six regions, with others to follow at a later date.
Mr Sturdy described Mr Mandelson's comments on new trade agreements as "unbelievably farcical", warning that it would promote varying degrees of liberalisation in Africa create a "spaghetti bowl mess".
EPAs were intended to link trade and development policy, incorporate sustainable development and contribute to poverty reduction through facilitating trade and enable countries to become better integrated into the global economy.
Appropriately designed, they represent an opportunity to revitalise EU-ACP trading, promote economic diversification and regional integration. But negotiations have not gone smoothly.
Addressing his Euro-peers in the main chamber yesterday afternoon, Mr Sturdy argued that an approach in adopting differing agreements between neighbouring countries would inevitably lead to complete chaos. He said:
“The very idea that other countries in ACP regions would join later would mean they would be signing up to a deal they had never negotiated. Does the EC really think this is a good idea? Weren't EPAs meant to be all about regional integration?
“ACP countries should not have to choose between a trade agreement which may damage their local and regional markets on the one hand, and barriers which cripple their export markets on the other. There are still choices to be made and last minute policy shifts from the Commission do nothing to restore the confidence of the disconcerted ACP.
“Everyone can agree that this position is somewhat different to the tame calls for 'flexibility in negotiating issues' exerted by the Commission in previous weeks.”
