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May 30, 2006
Do not let Europe take the wrong position on global poverty
By Waldemar Ingdahl
Tomorrow the European Parliament will debate on the report A6-0179/2006 written by rapporteur Helmuth Markov, in order to take the vote it on Thursday.
This little discussed report could be one of the defining moments for the EU in deciding how they will face the challenges of globalisation and its relations to developing countries. Will it take an open stance, or will it close down opportunities in the name of "fair trade". Instead of promoting innovation and trade, in order to make it possible for developing countries to strenghten themselves, the document promotes restrictions to free trade, blocks for innovation, and a general fear for innovation.
We urge the Members of the European Parliament to vote against this report. The world needs more opportunities, more competition, and more innovation- not only for the sake of the less developed countries and the EU's attitude towards them in the upcoming WTO negotiations, but also for our own self-image as a dynamic forward- looking part of the world.
Posted by Waldemar at May 30, 2006 03:52 PM