MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

18.4.2007

to wind up the debate on statements by the Council and Commission
pursuant to Rule 103(2) of the Rules of Procedure
by Bruno Gollnisch
on behalf of the ITS Group
on transatlantic relations

B6‑0153/2007

European Parliament resolution on transatlantic relations

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  recalling the initiative taken by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, who proposed, in September 2006, a new transatlantic economic partnership – a kind of transatlantic free-trade area,

B.  noting that Mrs Merkel received backing from the European Council on 9 March 2007 with a view to enhanced economic integration between the two blocs, in particular as regards energy, the environment, protecting intellectual property rights and improving regulatory convergence,

C.  recalling, lastly, that the aim of the EU-US Summit, which is to be held in Washington on 30 April 2007, is to begin negotiations with a view to a legally binding agreement,

1.  Takes the view that cooperation with the US that is based on reciprocity is vital to ensure geopolitical balance, economic growth and job creation in Europe;

2.  Notes that bilateral free-trade agreements will become the norm if the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks fail;

3.  Emphasises that the US and the EU are in head-to-head competition with regard to agriculture within the WTO negotiations in the Doha Round, and that the US negotiating mandate expires on 30 June 2007;

4.  Recalls that the EU lodged a complaint at the WTO concerning non-refundable public subsidies granted by the US to Boeing since 1990, amounting to an estimated USD 23.7 billion;

5.  Takes the view that upholding intellectual property rights and combating counterfeiting must be priority issues in all negotiations;

6.  Urges the European Union, the most open region in the world, to protect its market against imports priced at dumping levels, and calls on the EU’s trading partners to do the same;

7.  Welcomes the fact that the US is intending to allow visa-free travel for those from the 12 countries that have joined the EU since 2004;

8.  Notes the ‘Open Skies’ agreement, which is the first step towards liberalising the transatlantic air transport market, but regrets that the agreement – which is to enter into force on 30 March 2008 – is imbalanced, with cabotage in the US, for example, not being included;

9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Member States.