The International Trade Commission ofthe European Parliament has approved two disclaimers meant to secure the tradein European bananas. The disclaimers are due the moment the trade agreementbetween the EU and Central America, and the one between Columbiaand Peruare in operation.
The disclaimers provide the possibilityto end the agreements when, as a result of trade liberalization, Europeanmarkets are being threatened. They also contain regulations concerning worker’sconditions and environmental rules to prevent false competition.
German Socialist and EU Delegate BerndLange released a press statement covering the agreement, saying that his party:“supports free trade, but only on conditions that promote fairness andjustice.” He declared, furthermore, that the treaty is implemented to protectindustry and employment in Europe, especiallyin the peripheral regions that grow the fruit. He emphasised the possibility torevoke the treaty, when fixed import numbers are exceeded. In relation to Columbia and Peru, the delegate acknowledged the“exceptional challenges” both countries face concerning human rights and theenvironment, and hopes the treaty will open an “intensive dialogue” betweennations.
Austrian Socialist Jörg Leichtfriedstates he wants to avoid a “deterioration of the cultivation of bananas in Europe.” He says the cultivation is of huge importance toremote regions with limited trade capacity. He agrees though, that import from Third World countries should be moderated, suggesting theEuropean Commission report annually to the EU about implementing the treaty.
Both agreements have been signed byparticipating nations, but the treaty will not be operational until the EuropeanParliament has issued its consent in the Fall.
Source: Finanzas.com