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| Demand 12: ENHANCE DEMOCRACY AND TRANSPARENCY EU trade policy-making, including the internal processes of the 133 Committee, is opaque, nontransparent and deeply undemocratic. Sustainable development should become the central objective of all sectors and policies, says the S2B-NGO-Network: |
| As a first powerful step, towards ensuring EU trade policy making reflects this aim, would require the enhancement of the transparency and the accountability of the process. Greater coherence of decisions must be ensured by the departments dealing with sustainable development both at Commission and member states’ level. In addition, the internal processes in the committee 133 must be made more transparent and accountable.
Greater parliamentary involvement is crucial, but cannot be limited to ex-post-assent to a done deal after a lengthy round of trade negotiations. European Industry has preferential access to influence and develop EU trade policy positions, whilst all other stakeholders representing those interests such as labour, environment, health etc. do not benefit from similar integration into the policy making process as big business does. Demand 12 The EU must promote enhanced transparency and democratic participation and accountability in EU trade policy-making by all stakeholders concerned. Member States should undertake the review of the provisions for transparency and accountability at national level, to fully consult with other government departments at home, consult with national parliaments and civil society groups. Such consultations should proceed on the premise that trade policy is a means of enhancing other policy goals. In view of the critical role of trade policy for sustainable development, other working groups on the environment and development should be formally consulted in the course of trade negotiations and proceedings of the Committee 133 be made fully transparent. At the WTO the EU should ensure the maximum inclusiveness and transparency of meetings. |
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