Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2012-05-21-Speech-1-078-000"
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"en.20120521.15.1-078-000"2
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"Mr President, Ms Malmström, ladies and gentlemen, the European Union’s common foreign trade policy must prove that Europe has a strong voice in the world and that European institutions are able to defend the interests of all European Union citizens, as opposed to what my colleague from the UK clearly does not want, namely, to have such a strong European Union. I am sorry that he is no longer here in the Chamber.
I am in favour of deepening European integration further, resulting in a more effective, strong common supranational foreign policy, foreign trade policy and security policy. Any country that does not want such integration is free and has a sovereign right to leave the European Union, but it is wrong to constantly reject the desire of the other countries wanting such integration.
Returning to the subject, Canada is an important ally and economic partner of ours. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement desired by both sides, which is currently under negotiation, is intended to provide an essential tool for facilitating trade between the partners in their mutual interest.
However, the existing visa restrictions on citizens from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Romania when travelling to Canada must be dropped. During the negotiations, European institutions must make this task their priority, which will help genuinely facilitate and liberalise trade relations between the European Union and Canada.
The aim of the trade agreement is to liberalise the trade in services, mainly in the travel and transport sectors, with its text having to contain measures aimed at eliminating the barriers impeding access to this services market. The requirements to have a visa are precisely such a barrier.
I think, Commissioner, that there is a direct link between the trade agreement and visa regime, and these barriers need to be lifted. Thank you, Commissioner, for your position. I expect the Commission to continue to ask our Canadian partners this question in the remaining rounds of negotiations, particularly in light of the forthcoming changes to Canadian migration legislation, of guaranteeing the principle of reciprocity and, of course, of the trade agreement being debated.
Visa-free travel to Canada for all European Union citizens is a key condition, the fulfilment of which will also genuinely facilitate trade between the European Union and Canada. I also share the view of my colleagues who stated previously that there is a risk that this agreement will not be ratified in our Parliament unless these conditions are met.
Ensuring visa-free travel and guaranteeing reciprocity for all European Union citizens must be a priority for European institutions in their relations, especially with our strategic partners such as the United States, Canada and Australia."@en1
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