Human rights in EU-Vietnam trade negotiations

30.9.2015

Question for oral answer O-000116/2015
to the Commission
Rule 128
Bernd Lange, Marietje Schaake, on behalf of the Committee on International Trade

Negotiations on a free trade agreement between the EU and Vietnam are now completed in principle. This agreement is the first of its kind that the EU has concluded with a developing country; previous trade agreements have demonstrated the potential for economic growth and jobs on both sides.

In relation to Vietnam there have been a number of human rights concerns, particularly with regard to freedom of expression. According to a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in 2012, human rights, democracy and the rule of law are essential elements of the overall relationship between EU and Vietnam. It is essential these issues continue to be raised once negotiations have been concluded.

1. How has the Commission addressed human rights concerns during the negotiations with Vietnam on a free trade agreement?

2. How does the Commission plan to monitor human rights developments in Vietnam and draw on input from independent civil society, in order to uphold commitments made in the agreement?

3. How does the Commission plan to address the relationship between trade liberalisation and improving human rights in trade negotiations in the future, including in the new trade strategy that it plans to put forward?

4. Can the Commission outline how it plans to balance a policy of engagement and one of conditionality as regards human rights in trade agreements?