Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-10-14-Speech-4-018"
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"en.20041014.3.4-018"2
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"Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the European preferential system is certainly, post-enlargement, the most important and most generous system in the world by far. It follows that any change to the system has crucial implications for everyone concerned. The livelihoods of many producers in developing countries, but also in Europe, depend on it. I share the Commission’s view that the system should be simplified and should focus more on the countries in greatest need of it in order to be able to compete within the global market. What is important is that the system should become more flexible so that there can be systematic investigation of whether some sectors in beneficiary countries still really need the system in order to be competitive. If a country is guilty of unfair trading practices, of violating the WTO rules or human rights, a temporary suspension should always be possible. In short, I support the Commission’s objectives with regard to the GSP, but like Mrs Martens, I have my doubts whether the proposed reforms will reach far enough in order to achieve the planned objectives. It is, for example, unclear why the number of beneficiary countries is not subject to a thorough review, so that countries that are in the Top 20 in terms of world trade no longer walk away with preferences that are, in fact, intended for the poorest. It is also very much the question, Commissioner, whether the proposed reform is in keeping with the WTO’s current Doha round, at the end of which the poorest countries are to be awarded full quota-free and tariff-free imports. I can understand Commissioner Lamy when he states that prompt action is needed, but like the Council, I should like to insist on thorough consultation with the European Parliament and on all parties involved being given the time to adapt. It appears from the resolution on which we will be voting today that there is broad consensus about this revision. I therefore hope that the Commission will be making every effort to take Parliament’s opinion, which is unanimous, into consideration."@en1
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