Doha should not be the elephant in the room at WTO talks

30th November 2009

Sidelining the round will scupper a deal, ECR trade spokesman warns.

30th November 2009 -- The EU is failing to show leadership in the World Trade Organisation talks in Geneva by allowing the Doha trade round to be sidelined, Robert Sturdy MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists trade spokesman in the European Parliament, has warned.

Faced with a increasing hostility towards trade liberalisation in Washington and tit-for-tat protectionism between the USA, China and India, the first ministerial meeting since 2005 will instead focus on institutional reform.

Mr Sturdy said:

"Faced with clear opposition in Washington and a half-in, half-out trade commissioner, it is easy for the EU to let this opportunity pass without raising Doha, but we will never get a deal that way.

"There is growing desperation around the world for a deal which would boost all of our economies, but particularly those in the developing world. It seems that everyone at the meeting wants to talk about Doha except for the USA.

"A deal may seem far-fetched at the moment but it will become impossible unless the EU flexes its muscle and stands up for liberalisation of global markets. If the USA resorts to protectionism, the EU will follow, and the results for global trade will be devastating."

Contact: Robert Sturdy MEP on +32 2284 5294
ECR Press Office - James Holtum - +32 473 861762

 

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