92000E0114

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0114/00

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(31 January 2000)

Subject: EU plans with regard to the WTO following the failure of the Seattle Summit

Is it the case that, as has been reported in the media, fresh negotiations between the various economic blocs of industrialised countries and the poorest and developing countries are to recommence with a view to reopening the Millennium Round negotiations following the failure of the WTO Summit in Seattle?

If so, what provision will the Council make for Parliament's participation in drawing up the European position in the light of the new situation, and given the changes which have since occurred in European and world public opinion?

Reply

(28 March 2000)

1. In its Conclusions of 26 October 1999, the Council established the position of the European Union on the preparation for the Third WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle. On that occasion, the Council reiterated its firm conviction that a comprehensive round of trade negotiations was the best way to address the challenges resulting from the current economic changes, to manage the globalisation process effectively, to expand opportunities for international trade and growth, and to respond in a balanced manner to the interests of all WTO members, especially the developing countries.

At the same time, the Council underlined the need to involve civil society fully in the process and, to that end, to continue to engage with it in order to take into account its legitimate interests and concerns.

2. In its Resolution of 18 November 1999, the European Parliament had substantially shared the objectives established by the Council, particularly with respect to the global approach advocated in the abovementioned Conclusions.

3. Following the failure of the Seattle Conference, the Council bodies are currently examining, on the basis of information provided by the Commission, which was also presented by Commissioner Lamy during his recent appearance before the European Parliament Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy, the most appropriate ways of achieving the objectives set out in the Conclusions of 26 October 1999, which still form the basis of the Union's position for the next round of trade negotiations in the WTO. At the same time, the Council's subordinate bodies will also focus on analysing the deficiencies in the preparation and procedures of the Seattle Conference, in order to identify appropriate mechanisms for improving the efficiency as well as the internal and external transparency of the WTO process and to ensure the full involvement of all its members.

4. An initial exchange of views at political level on all of these questions will be held at the informal meeting of Trade Ministers scheduled for March 17 and 18 2000 in Porto. It will then be for the General Affairs Council to lay down the political and strategical guidelines in this area.