ACTA events in Parliament - week starting 27 February

Discussion on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) in the International Trade Committee starts Wednesday. Parliament will need to decide whether or not to approve the agreement. On Tuesday a petition against ACTA will be handed to the Petitions Committee, and on 1 March a public workshop with experts and bloggers will look at issues such as ACTA's potential impact on civil liberties.

Tuesday 28 February, 11.30h - ACTA press conference by rapporteur David Martin (S&D, UK) and shadow rapporteur Christofer Fjellner (EPP, SE)

Mr Martin will state his position on ACTA and comment on the European Commission's decision to refer it to the European Court of Justice for a ruling on its compatibility with fundamental rights.

Venue: Anna Politkovskaya press conference room, 00A050, Paul-Henri Spaak building

Tuesday 28 February, 12.30h - Presentation of ACTA petition

A petition against ACTA, signed by almost 2.5 million people worldwide world, will be handed to Petitions Committee Chair Erminia Mazzoni (EPP, IT).

Broadcast-quality images will be available on Parliament's audiovisual website.

Venue: in front of room ASP A3G3, Altiero Spinelli building

Wednesday 29 February, 17.00h - First International Trade Committee debate on ACTA

This is the committee that will make a formal recommendation to Parliament as a  whole on whether to approve ACTA. Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will take part.

Venue: room PHS 3C050, Paul-Henri Spaak building

Thursday 1 March, 15.00h - Open workshop with ACTA experts

ACTA's pros and cons will be debated at a half-day public workshop with academics, civil society bodies and EU officials.

Venue: room JAN 4Q2, József Antall building

Press point by rapporteur David Martin (S&D, UK) and International Trade Committee Chairman Vital Moreira (S&D, PT) to be confirmed.

For live web-streaming, see link to the right.