92000E0540

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0540/00

by Marialiese Flemming (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 February 2000)

Subject: WTO agriculture, environment

As the negotiations on a comprehensive WTO Round in Seattle were unsuccessful, it is certain that the issues on the built-in agenda agriculture and services will at least be discussed. On the other hand, there is uncertainty about how the negotiations on a new WTO Round will continue.

Does the comprehensive approach adopted by the Commission in Seattle retain its validity for the new WTO Round?

How does the Commission intend to meet the need for the issue of the environment to be included in the new WTO Round?

What steps will the Commission initiate with a view to involving NGOs in the WTO context?

Will the Commission forward to the European Parliament all information relating to the negotiations?

Answer given by Mr Lamy on behalf of the Commission

(20 March 2000)

As the Honourable Member is aware, the Community's approach with regard to a new World trade organization (WTO) Round was reconfirmed, both by the Council and by the Parliament in its resolution of 15 December 1999. The overall approach with regard to a new Round therefore remains valid.

This includes the need to make sure that the WTO is responsive to legitimate trade-related concerns, such as in the area of environment. Although this is still a controversial issue, the Commission is convinced that the basic objectives remain valid. It is currently reflecting on how to take this particular theme forward in its continued efforts to launch the New Round, for instance through intensified efforts to explain more clearly the objectives, to engage in a confidence-building exercise to alleviate concerns of some trade partners, particularly developing countries, and to evaluate the means to achieve these basic WTO objectives.

It is also continuing, as part of the preparations for the launch of future negotiations, the sustainability impact assessment, which includes an examination of the potential impact on the environment of further liberalisation and changes to WTO rules. The Parliament has been kept informed of the progress of this project and members have been invited to meetings with Member States and civil society on it.

The Commission has sought to involve non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations both at the level of the WTO and at the Community level. The Member of the Commission responsible for trade held a number of consultations with NGOs before Seattle. In the WTO the Commission has made proposals for increased transparency in terms of document availability. It continues to reflect on further means to improve transparency and dialogue with the NGO community, both at the level of the Community, and in the context of the WTO.

Regarding the transmission of information to the Parliament, the Honourable Member is aware of the commitment by the Commission to provide documents and information on a regular basis to the Parliament, both during the preparation and in the course of negotiations, as appropriate.