Transatlantic trade and investment partnership — exclusion of audiovisual services

18.4.2013

Question for written answer E-004386-13
to the Council
Rule 117
Marielle Gallo (PPE)

On 12 March 2013, the Commission tabled a proposal for a negotiating mandate for a free trade agreement with the United States entitled ‘Transatlantic trade and investment partnership’.

The partnership is intended to boost growth in the European Union and create new jobs, which are laudable objectives at a time of economic and social crisis. However, it should not be forgotten that promoting cultural diversity is another of the EU’s objectives, as enshrined in Article 167 TFEU. What is more, the EU has systematically excluded audiovisual services from trade agreements since the Uruguay Round.

1. Will the Council explicitly exclude audiovisual services from the free trade agreement with the United States?

2. If not, what reasons would justify a change in the EU’s position on audiovisual services under the common trade policy?

OJ C 33 E, 05/02/2014