Compte rendu in extenso des débats

Mardi 11 décembre 2018 - Strasbourg

14. Accord de partenariat économique UE-Japon - Accord de partenariat économique UE-Japon (résolution) - Accord de partenariat stratégique UE-Japon - Accord de partenariat stratégique UE-Japon (résolution) - Adéquation de la protection des données à caractère personnel fournie par le Japon (débat)

  Puhemies. – Esityslistalla on seuraavana yhteiskeskustelu

– Pedro Silva Pereiran kansainvälisen kaupan valiokunnan puolesta laatimasta suosituksesta EU:n ja Japanin välisestä talouskumppanuussopimuksesta (07964/2018 - C8-0382/2018 - 2018/0091(NLE)) (A8-0366/2018),

– Pedro Silva Pereiran kansainvälisen kaupan valiokunnan puolesta laatimasta mietinnöstä EU:n ja Japanin välisestä talouskumppanuussopimuksesta (päätöslauselma) (2018/0091M(NLE)) (A8-0367/2018),

– Alojz Peterlen ulkoasiainvaliokunnan puolesta laatimasta suosituksesta EU:n ja Japanin välisestä strategisesta kumppanuussopimuksesta (08462/2018 - C8-0417/2018 - 2018/0122(NLE)) (A8-0383/2018),

– Alojz Peterlen ulkoasiainvaliokunnan puolesta laatimasta mietinnöstä EU:n ja Japanin välisestä strategisesta kumppanuussopimuksesta (päätöslauselma) (2018/0122M(NLE)) (A8-0385/2018) ja

– Komission julkilausumasta Japanin tarjoaman henkilötietojen suojan riittävyydestä (2018/2979(RSP)).

  Pedro Silva Pereira, Rapporteur. – Madam President, let me begin by thanking Commissioner Malmström and the EU’s chief negotiator, Mauro Petriccione, for their intensive work on this agreement with Japan and for our good cooperation. Let me also thank the shadow rapporteurs. I believe that by working together and building compromises we have reached a very good outcome, so that we can have a meaningful vote tomorrow – not only on the agreement itself but also on a resolution in which Parliament sends out important messages about trade, and calls on the parties to make the most of the progressive potential of this agreement.

As standing rapporteur, let me begin by saying that we are discussing here much more than a trade agreement. Yes, this is a historic moment. In front of us, we have the most important bilateral trade agreement ever concluded by the EU. Two of the largest economies in the world, together representing nearly a third of the world’s GDP, will move closer to each other, eliminating a number of heavy tariffs as well as non—tariff barriers to trade. As a result, European products and services will get major new opportunities in the Japanese market. Acknowledging the successful outcome of the negotiations, all EU economic sectors are now speaking in favour of this agreement, including the agri—food sector, which will benefit from new export opportunities while protecting 205 geographical indications.

No matter how relevant it may be from the economic point of view, however, this agreement is, above all, of major strategic importance. It gives us the chance to shape the global agenda at a time of rising protectionism, thus sending a clear and timely signal in favour of an open, fair and rules—based trading system. We should not miss this opportunity to promote our own values and standards in the Asia—Pacific region and in global trade.

I would not be standing here as rapporteur supporting this EU—Japan Agreement if it were not a progressive trade agreement: an agreement clearly belonging to a new generation of trade agreements, in which sustainable development matters and environment, labour rights and consumer protection matter.

Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect agreement, but this agreement recognises the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is the first trade agreement with a reference to the Paris Agreement on climate change and it fully respects public services and the right to regulate. Moreover, it includes not only a commitment to pursue the ratification of the core International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions but also a review clause for improving the enforceability of labour and environmental rules.

Japan, it is fair to say, has made substantial efforts, even before the entry into force of the agreement, and it is already discussing at inter—ministerial level the implementation of its sustainable development commitments. This should be warmly welcomed as a very good sign.

Parliament has closely followed these negotiations from the beginning. We were supportive but also demanding. Last Friday, the Japanese Parliament approved the agreement. Tomorrow this Parliament will have the final say. My position as rapporteur is that this trade agreement is economically balanced and of major strategic importance. Furthermore, it clearly represents a step forward on sustainable development. Therefore, I recommend that you support this important EU—Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and vote in favour of our resolution.

  Alojz Peterle, poročevalec. – Hvala lepa, gospa predsedujoča, gospa komisarka, ekscelence, spoštovani kolegi. Ta teden zaključujemo enega od najpomembnejših projektov evropske zveze v zadnjih dveh mandatih. Ne gre samo za finančne učinke okrepljenega partnerstva, gre za veliko več. Pomembno je, da evropska zveza in Japonska delita skupno razumevanje globalnih in regionalnih izzivov in hočeta soodgovorno delati za njihovo razreševanje. Ekonomski partnerski sporazum pomeni največji prostotrgovinski sporazum, ki ga je do sedaj sklenila evropska zveza. Sporazum o strateškem partnerstvu pa je doslej najbolj ambiciozen tovrstni sporazum, ki nadgrajuje odnose z Japonsko v večsektorsko in dolgoročno partnerstvo z globalnim učinkom.

Oba sporazuma bosta pozitivno vplivala na evropsko in japonsko gospodarstvo in okrepila vlogo obeh partnerjev pri soočanju z globalnimi in regionalnimi izzivi. Komplementarnost sili ekonomskega partnerskega sporazuma glede dobrin in uslug določa sporazum o strateškem partnerstvu več kot štirideset področij sodelovanja z Japonsko. Partnerja se zavezujeta delu za mir, varnost, proti terorizmu, zmanjšanju revščine, izvajanju Pariškega podnebnega sporazuma in še mnogo več. Pri tem poudarjata privrženost mednarodnemu pravu. Ta sporazum je prvi takšne vrste, ki vključuje tudi poglavje o zdravju. S spodbujanjem regulativne harmonizacije in raziskav bomo izboljšali dostop do globalnih trgov in z uporabo združenega znanja bomo lahko nagovorili izzive na področju zdravja. To je pomembno še posebej zaradi izzivov, ki jih prinašajo obema partnerjema starajoče se družbe.

Z Japonsko sklepamo ta dva sporazuma, ker ne delimo samo skupnih interesov, ampak iste temeljne vrednote in načela. Oba sporazuma izražata skupno zavezo k spoštovanju človekovih pravic, demokracije, temeljnih svoboščin, dobrega gospodarjenja, vladavine prava in še kaj.

V veselje mi je bilo biti poročevalec za strateški partnerski sporazum in sodelovati s poročevalci v senci iz obeh mandatov. Od začetka smo se trudili za poročilo, ki bo usmerjeno v prihodnost. Rad bi se zahvalil tudi glavnim pogajalcem in njihovim ekipam za odlično delo in sodelovanje v duhu transparentnosti, zaupanja in skupne odgovornosti. Prav tako bi se rad zahvalil več japonskim veleposlanikom za spremljanje našega dela in tesno sodelovanje. Zahvala gre tudi parlamentarnim delegacijam evropskega in japonskega parlamenta za vso pozornost do dela pogajalcev in poročevalcev.

In naj zaključim s hvaležnostjo civilni družbi v evropski zvezi in Japonski za njen interes. Strateški partnerski sporazum ni samo dosežek, ampak je nova, velika prilika. Želel bi si, da bi ta sporazum doživel dinamično potrjevanje v državah članicah, da ga bomo lahko začeli čim prej izvajati. Seveda si priporočam oziroma pričakujem jutri močno podporo za ta sporazum. Hvala za vašo pozornost, arigato.

  Cecilia Malmström, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, on behalf of the Commission, I would like to ask for Parliament’s consent on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and Japan. As the rapporteur, Mr Silva Pereira, has explained, this is a very important agreement, and I would like to thank him and his team for the good cooperation we’ve had throughout these negotiations.

As you know, the foundations of world trade are being shaken right now, and it is therefore important for the EU and its partners to reinforce their ties and to demonstrate the value of free economic exchanges based on fair rules, as opposed to whim and transactional strength, and Japan is clearly one such partner.

The EPA has a strategic importance and an unquestionable economic and political value. It supports free and fair trade and helps the EU to make further inroads in the Far East, after a free trade agreement with South Korea. Japan is the world’s third largest economy. It’s the EU’s second trade partner in Asia and, through its economic footprint in East Asia, Japan can play a big role in shaping the development of rules and standards in the EU. We have every interest in the European Union in cooperating with Japan to secure a free and open environment in the region in Asia. From a bilateral perspective, the EU-Japan EPA removes the vast majority of the EUR 1 billion duties paid annually on EU exports to Japan. It will open up the Japanese market for 97% of all product categories, while the remaining ones will benefit from increased market access opportunities. We estimate in the Commission that these will lead to additional annual EU exports worth EUR 13 billion.

Important longstanding non-tariff barriers will be removed in the car sector, as the EU and Japan have agreed to reinforce international standards and to rely on them in defining the regulatory framework. European companies will be able to bid on equal terms for public procurement contracts, including at sub-central level for the 54 largest cities in Japan. European origin names for more than 200 foodstuffs will be protected against misuse. We also have a specific chapter on small and medium-sized enterprises, in which we commit to supporting our SMEs through dedicated information portals and contact points.

This is clearly economically beneficial and it is intended to provide a basis for advancing important EU priorities regarding the economic transition towards a socially and environmentally sustainable model of growth and the protection of areas of overriding interest to public policy, such as health, safety and individual privacy.

The EPA protects the European model of regulation. It sets up mechanisms that both parties can use to accompany the industrial transformation that the world’s environment requires. Under the regulatory cooperation provisions, we will engage with Japan on common responses to new technological challenges, from electric vehicles to product standards, to reducing waste.

The agreement lays the groundwork for bilateral engagement on social protection rules. Japan is a country committed to sustainable development provisions and it has established an inter-ministerial group to work on their implementation. This group is to consider the ratification of two fundamental International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, as well as any domestic legislative adjustment that may be required, but Japan’s national legislation today also protects workers’ rights in this regard.

It is important for us in the EU to protect our economic and social model by spurring sustainable growth through free and fair trade and by cooperating with a friend and ally like Japan in the defence of these common interests. This agreement has been designed to spur our trade with, and our competitiveness in, a major economy with which, moreover, the EU must cooperate to defend open economic relations and develop sound international standards.

I hope that Parliament will send out a strong global signal tomorrow by voting with a strong majority for this agreement. At the same time, you will also be voting on the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). Here again, it ties us closer to our Japanese friends’ democracies with their attachment not only to fair and free trade, as I have said, but also to multilateralism, human rights and the rule of law – and we have so many common interests and fundamental shared values.

A strong EU-Japan partnership is more important than ever in an international context in which these values and principles are, as you know, being challenged. We need to work together and to show joint leadership.

This is of strategic importance, as is the EU-Japan Strategic Partnership Agreement. It will help us to make a positive contribution to the shaping of a cooperative regional order and it will help us to promote joint interests in the global arena. In this way, the benefits of the partnership go well beyond our bilateral relations. The agreement provides for close cooperation on global issues. Japan is, in fact, an indispensable partner in tackling many of the challenges that we both face – including climate change and cybersecurity.

Japan is an important partner when it comes to development aid and humanitarian assistance. Together we count amongst the world’s biggest donors. The report by Mr Peterle – and I would like to thank him and his team for the excellent work they have done – also highlights the direct connection between European prosperity and Asian security, and the other way around. This is very important because it will help us to strengthen cooperation on security, crisis management and peace-keeping and we will do so jointly. The EU and Japan have been able to promote sustainable, rules-based connectivity in Europe, Asia and the Pacific, so we are bringing Asia and Europe closer via this agreement, and that reflects the policy direction contained in our global strategy.

It will strengthen our cooperation in tackling the many other challenges that our economies and societies face, and Mr Peterle mentioned them –remaining competitive, respecting rapidly emerging economies, coping with ageing societies and addressing energy and resource concerns. We have a lot to gain here by sharing experiences when we address these issues.

The SPA will serve as a charter, underpinning our partnership, helping us turn our political ambitions into concrete action and joint initiatives. The European Parliament has a crucial role here in adopting the agreement. In addition, there are the EU-Japan interparliamentary meetings, the parliamentary diplomacy that makes a valuable contribution to our existing and future strategic partnership. Parliament’s engagement has underpinned decades of successful cooperation, and we can build on these efforts. So the importance of these exchanges is explicitly enshrined in the Strategic Partnership Agreement.

I’m looking forward to the debate and, I hope, to a successful vote for both these agreements.

  Věra Jourová, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, you have asked for a debriefing on the draft adequacy decision for Japan and I am happy to provide it. We are now working with the European Parliament, the European Data Protection Board and the EU governments to scrutinise our findings and make sure our assessment is correctly informed. The adequacy decision is of crucial importance because, with the adequacy in place, we will be able to create the biggest area of safe flow of data between our economies. While our citizens will benefit from greater privacy protection, our economies will also benefit from easier transfer of personal data. The most crucial aspect is, of course, that of convergence, the similarity of our data protection regime.

As Commissioner Malmström has just said, Japan is a stable democracy, respecting fully the principle of rule of law. At the same time, Japan also is a country that has recently decided to change its approach to data protection by adopting a law that shares all key elements of our European General Data Protection Regulation. Actually, it is difficult to find another country outside the EU that has inspired itself so much from our approach to privacy. The Japanese law contains the same core principles, safeguards and individual rights as we know them from our law. These rules are checked and enforced by an independent supervisory authority – the Personal Information Protection Commission – which was also our main interlocutor throughout the adequacy negotiations.

According to the Court of Justice, adequacy does not require a photocopy of our rules; the mechanism can differ, but the overall level of protection has to be essentially equivalent. It is our main benchmark in all the negotiations of possible adequacy decisions with other countries. This is also why we have negotiated a set of additional safeguards, which address the few relevant differences that we have found comparing the European and Japanese systems. We have also obtained the creation of an ad hoc complaint resolution mechanism, easily accessible for EU citizens in the sensitive area of government access to data. All the elements we have negotiated will ensure a high level of protection for data transfers to Japan. This type of convergence with the EU data protection system is exactly what the European Parliament has been calling for. It would thus be very important for your resolution to welcome it.

This brings me to the strategic importance of this decision. As you know, Japan is one of our most important trading partners, and thus the destination of a large volume of data. This underlines both the need for protection and the economic relevance of the adequacy finding. In this process we have engaged intensively with all stakeholders, with the data protection authorities, with the European Data Protection Board, Member States and, of course, with the European Parliament. And this has already helped to clarify and strengthen a number of elements in the decision. I am therefore confident that we can finalise this process and adopt the adequacy decision as soon as possible.

On the Japanese side, the Japanese data protection authority has already finalised its adequacy assessment for the EU and the timing of its decision will be synchronised so that we have both adequacy findings on the same day. Together, these mutual adequacy decisions will create the largest area of safe and free data flows in the world, thus complementing the Economic Partnership Agreement and increasing its benefits. This will also send a strong message to other countries that it is worth bringing their data protection framework closer to ours and, in other words, that convergence pays off. This will also confirm that the EU approach works while we are keeping the parallel tracks of negotiations, and personal data are not part of the trade talks. This proves we can work together to enhance strategic partnership with our allies and support the objective of secure data flows between our economies. In the end, this is a win—win situation – a win for the citizens and a win for the traders.

  Christophe Hansen, on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, the EU-Japan EPA is far from being Godzilla, as some have called it in the past. After six years of negotiations, it’s high time we ratified this historical agreement with such a like-minded and outstanding partner. It is time for our businesses, especially SMEs, and our consumers to start enjoying the benefits of this landmark agreement.

Why is this agreement of such importance? Well, for many reasons. First of all, the huge economic gains. The EUR 1 billion tariff cuts for our companies and farmers. Secondly, its chapter on sustainable development, including our renewed commitment to the Paris Agreement. It is a clear win-win agreement that comes at a critical geopolitical moment, where trade wars can be triggered by a simple tweet and unilateral tariffs barriers are raised. Responsibility lies heavily on our shoulders to stand up for our values and our social and environmental standards. I can think of no better ally than the Land of the Rising Sun for such a free, fair and open trade regime.

(Applause from the Visitors’ Gallery)

  Puhemies. – Mistähän nämä suosionosoitukset tulivat? En pannut merkille, mutta täällä ei ainakaan tuolta parvekkeelta sallita suosionosoituksia eikä muitakaan ääniä ja eleitä.

  Alessia Maria Mosca, a nome del gruppo S&D. – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, l'accordo raggiunto con il Giappone è buono almeno per tre motivi.

Primo, a livello geopolitico l'Unione sta riempiendo il vuoto lasciato dagli Stati Uniti di Trump. Stiamo costruendo un nuovo ordine commerciale globale basato su regole che contrastano gli effetti negativi della globalizzazione.

Secondo, da un punto di vista economico, l'accordo sosterrà il settore agricolo, che avrà un accesso pieno al mercato giapponese, con oltre duecento indicazioni geografiche protette, aiuterà le PMI a internazionalizzarsi, garantirà l'accesso agli appalti pubblici e prevederà un allineamento del Giappone agli standard europei, i più alti a livello globale.

Ma un accordo, per essere buono, deve anche essere sostenibile, e questo accordo lo è: impegna infatti le parti all'implementazione dell'accordo di Parigi, alla ratifica delle convenzioni dell'Organizzazione internazionale del lavoro, alla tutela delle foreste e del benessere animale.

I trattati commerciali sono uno strumento, non un fine. Il fine è quello di creare migliori condizioni di ricchezza, meglio distribuita, benessere per tutti i cittadini e inclusione sociale.

Questo trattato è buono perché si prefigge di rispondere a tutte queste necessità.

  Jan Zahradil, on behalf of the ECR Group. – Madam President, Japan is the world’s third—largest economy, with near—record employment, solid economic growth, perspectives linked to external demand, and an ambitious international trade agenda. It is our strategic partner, our G20 colleague and a hugely important ally on the global stage on various fronts, starting with climate change, the sustainable development goals and WTO reform and defence of rules—based international trade.

We now have a unique opportunity to finalise the ratification process and get the deal approved during this parliamentary term so that it can enter into force as soon as possible. The Commission has redoubled its efforts, the Austrian and also the upcoming Romanian Presidencies are committed to it, and we have to do our best to complete the consent procedure. We have to respect Japan and honour our commitments as soon as possible.

  Petr Ježek, on behalf of the ALDE Group. – Madam President, let me begin by emphasising the importance in this current global climate of working ever more closely with like-minded partners across the world. As the Chair of the Delegation for relations with Japan, I can say that Japan has been an extremely reliable partner on the international level. Also in this context, I warmly welcome both agreements. The Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) will see the EU and Japan stepping up our cooperation in around 30 areas. The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is certainly the most wide-ranging, largest and most modern bilateral agreement ever achieved.

I would call on my colleagues who are considering not supporting this agreement to ask themselves whether they would also be against promoting cooperation in the world, economic growth in Europe, opening job opportunities to hundreds of thousands of citizens and bringing benefits for consumers. We must not let our Japanese partners down and we must certainly not let ourselves and our citizens down.

  Helmut Scholz, im Namen der GUE/NGL-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, Frau Kommissarin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Um es ganz klar zu sagen: Die Linksfraktion lehnt das Wirtschaftspartnerschaftsabkommen mit Japan ab, gerade weil wir die langfristige Bedeutung einer strategischen Partnerschaft als gemeinsame Rahmenstruktur für einen gemeinsamen Beitrag zu Stabilität, Frieden und vor allem zur Umsetzung der UN-2030-Agenda für nachhaltige Entwicklung in den nächsten elf Jahren anerkennen.

Wir wollen fairen und ethischen Handel, nicht modernen Freihandel pur. Wir nehmen die von Tausenden von Bürgerinnen und Bürgern und Nichtregierungsorganisationen gut begründeten Sorgen ernst, und genau da hat das Abkommen große Löcher. Zweifellos wird das Abkommen die Verflechtung unserer Ökonomien massiv beschleunigen, aber Digitalisierung und Automatisierung in der Produktion werden den Wettbewerb in vielen Sektoren der Wirtschaft verschärfen und viele Arbeitsplätze kosten. Die notwendigen Strukturanpassungen sehen Sie jedoch nicht mehr in Ihrer Verantwortung. Die sozialen Konsequenzen tragen die Länder und Kommunen.

Die vereinbarten Streitbeilegungsmechanismen sind nicht ausreichend. Wir müssen ehrlicherweise auch anerkennen, dass die billigeren aus der EU nach Japan exportierten Agrarprodukte nicht nur das Warenangebot in Japan bereichern, sondern auch zum dortigen Bauernsterben beitragen werden. Das ist kein Beitrag für eine gerechte Globalisierung und Verteilung von Wohlstand.

Und, Kommissarin Jourová, zu dem wichtigen Bereich des Datenhandels: Wenn wir von globaler Wertschöpfung sprechen: Der fortschrittliche EU-Datenschutz ist in diesem Wertschöpfungsprozess eben nicht abgebildet, weil er nicht Bestandteil und in dem Abkommen abgebildet ist.

Vor dem Hintergrund des zukünftigen mehrjährigen Finanzrahmens ist zu konstatieren, dass sich die Zolleinnahmen der Union durch das Abkommen um 1,6 Milliarden Euro verringern – quasi so viel, als würde Finnland aus der EU austreten.

  Klaus Buchner, im Namen der Verts/ALE-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin! Das Freihandelsabkommen JEFTA der EU mit Japan ist ein weiterer Schritt weg von der Demokratie zur Diktatur der Konzerne. Der Handel mit Japan ist sicher wichtig, aber dieses Abkommen geht weit über den Handel hinaus. Es greift in unsere elementaren demokratischen Rechte ein. Das betrifft vor Ort die Kommunalpolitik. Ihre Aufgaben wie Schulen, Abfallwirtschaft, Krankenhäuser, Regionalverkehr werden liberalisiert, das heißt, sie sollen so weit wie möglich privatisiert werden. Die Bürger vor Ort sollen diese Aufgaben nicht mehr selbst in die Hand nehmen dürfen. Einmal privatisierte Betriebe sind für immer privatisiert. Sie dürfen nicht mehr in Bürgerhand zurückgegeben werden.

Unsere Regierungen haben auch nicht mehr das Recht, die Sozial- und Umweltgesetze zu erlassen, die sie wollen. Die Gesetze dürfen kein wesentliches Hindernis für den Handel und die Investitionen darstellen, so sagt es das Abkommen. Ein besonders wichtiger Fall ist das Verbot von Gentechnik. Die Europäische Kommission hat es hier versäumt, uns dieses Recht vorzubehalten. Es wäre möglich gewesen, aber die Kommission wollte offensichtlich die Gentechnik bei uns einführen.

JEFTA schafft außerdem Regeln ab, die eine neue Bankenkrise verhindern sollen. Wir brauchen kein Freihandelsabkommen, um faire Handelsregeln durchzusetzen. Die Grundsätze unserer Datenschutzgrundverordnung wurden von Japan schon vor JEFTA übernommen.

(Der Redner ist damit einverstanden, eine Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“ gemäß Artikel 162 Absatz 8 der Geschäftsordnung zu beantworten.)

  Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski (PPE), pytanie zadane przez podniesienie niebieskiej kartki. – Mam wrażenie, że debatujemy nad innym projektem, który Pan teraz ocenił. Mam takie pytanie: jak ta umowa pomiędzy Europą a Japonią ma negatywnie wpłynąć na małe i średnie podmioty, które w tej umowie mają gwarancje do uruchomienia także dla nich rynku w Japonii, w przypadku podmiotów europejskich, i w Europie – dla podmiotów japońskich?

  Klaus Buchner (Verts/ALE), Antwort auf eine Frage nach dem Verfahren der „blauen Karte“. – Ich habe nicht von KMU gesprochen, ich habe von der Demokratie gesprochen. Dass hier unsere Rechte zum Teil – nur zum Teil – an Konzerne übergeben werden. Denken Sie nur an die Möglichkeiten, Sozialgesetze, Umweltgesetze frei zu erlassen. Es werden ganz klar Grenzen gesetzt, die der Wirtschaft schaden.

  Tiziana Beghin, a nome del gruppo EFDD. – Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, l'accordo di libero scambio con il Giappone è il più grande e ambizioso mai firmato dall'Unione europea, e certamente non è perfetto, ma il Giappone è un mercato pieno di opportunità per le nostre imprese.

Fino ad ora queste opportunità si nascondevano dietro a una fitta giungla di barriere tecniche e discriminatorie, che penalizzavano i prodotti e gli investitori europei. E nonostante questo, già allo stato attuale, l'Italia esporta in Giappone molto di più di quanto importa, soprattutto in campo agroalimentare, una situazione che non potrà che migliorare. Per fare un esempio, i dazi giapponesi sulla pasta, i vini e i formaggi passeranno da 24, 15 e 40 a zero. Zero! Un guadagno enorme per chi fa affari in Giappone, mentre i consumatori e gli agricoltori europei saranno protetti, perché gli OGM sono esclusi dall'accordo, così come il riso.

Certo, ci sono anche elementi che non ci convincono: le disposizioni sull'acqua, i servizi finanziari e la protezione dei dati personali sono purtroppo insufficienti ma, nel complesso, i vantaggi in questo caso superano i rischi perché, al contrario di CETA, questo accordo non contiene la clausola ICS, quel meccanismo molto pericoloso che permette alle corporation di fare causa agli Stati, e chiedo alla Commissione di volerlo escludere anche in futuro.

In passato ci hanno accusati di essere no global che si oppongono al commercio, ma il nostro unico interesse è sempre stato difendere i cittadini. E quando ci si trova di fronte a un buon accordo, il nostro voto non può che essere positivo.

ELNÖKÖL: JÁRÓKA LÍVIA
alelnök

  France Jamet, au nom du groupe ENF. – Madame la Présidente, mes chers collègues, je ne reviendrai pas, évidemment, en une minute sur les conditions de négociation de ce traité, mais je tiens ici à dénoncer deux éléments scandaleux.

En Polynésie française, où des thoniers géants japonais menacent la pêche artisanale dans le Pacifique Sud. En Méditerranée, où la pêche industrielle illégale japonaise sévit, alors que nos pêcheurs soucieux de la ressource respectent scrupuleusement les moratoires que vous leur avez imposés.

Avant de passer cet accord commercial, la Commission aurait été bien inspirée de demander au Japon de respecter notre souveraineté maritime et nos pêcheurs français. En ne le faisant pas, Bruxelles autorise implicitement les navires-usines japonais à piller nos stocks en Méditerranée, et cela est inadmissible.

Des traités de juste échange qui respectent nos nations, nos entreprises, leurs salariés et l’environnement, c’est ce que revendiquent et exigent légitimement nos compatriotes et les peuples d’Europe, ni plus, ni moins, mais pas moins. Alors entendez-les!

  Bruno Gollnisch (NI). – Madame la Présidente, avons-nous vocation à travailler avec le Japon? Nos sociétés, comme la société japonaise, sont des sociétés d’antique civilisation, ce sont des sociétés pacifiques, démocratiques, qui sont soumises d’ailleurs à des problèmes similaires: le déclin de la population, dramatique parfois, son vieillissement et aussi la perte d’importance relative dans la production mondiale.

Je ne reviendrai pas sur l’absence de transparence dans les négociations. Quoi qu’on en ait dit, nous avons été très peu, très mal et très tardivement informés.

Il y a des aspects positifs dans ce rapport pour notre agriculture, dont je ne crois pas qu’elle concurrence les produits japonais, car nos productions sont spécifiques par rapport à celles qui ont cours là-bas. En revanche, pour l’automobile, la situation est infiniment plus périlleuse. Certes, il y a une clause de sauvegarde qui demande à la Commission d’être vigilante. La Commission sera vigilante en cas de déstabilisation, mais que fera-t-elle? Pourra-t-elle revenir sur cet accord? Ce n’est pas évident.

Quant au partenariat stratégique qui vante les louanges du multilatéralisme, en réalité il ne pourra pas désarrimer le Japon du char américain qui constitue, pour le moment, son parapluie de sécurité.

  Daniel Caspary (PPE). – Sehr geehrte Frau Präsidentin! Wenn es um den Einsatz für offene Märkte und einen regelbasierten globalen Handel geht, dann können wir uns – wie wir jeden Tag vor Augen geführt bekommen – auf die Vereinigten Staaten leider nicht mehr verlassen.Klar ist also: Es liegt an uns in Europa und an uns Europäern, dass wir regelbasierten Handel global absichern und weiterhin garantieren. Deswegen ist das Handelsabkommen mit Japan unser Weg, unsere europäische Agenda voranzutreiben.

Das Abkommen liefert, was die Kommission versprochen hat: 99 % aller Zölle werden abgebaut, mehr geografische Herkunftsangaben als in jedem anderen Abkommen werden gesichert, und es gibt ein eigenes Kapitel für kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen, was gerade für unsere Mitgliedstaaten extrem wichtig ist.

Wenn Herr Kollege Buchner hier Fake News verbreitet, dann ist das einfach falsch, weil die kommunale Daseinsvorsorge eben nicht angegriffen wird, sondern garantiert bleibt, weil selbstverständlich nach Ablauf einer Konzession jede Kommune wieder selbst entscheiden kann, ob sie eine Dienstleistung der Daseinsvorsorge selber machen möchte oder nicht. Ich bitte Sie: Dass Russland, China und andere Fake News verbreiten, kennen wir. Aber bitte: Mitglieder aus diesem Haus sollten sich das ersparen.

  Bernd Lange (S&D). – Frau Präsidentin, Frau Kommissarin! Wir leben in einem globalen Dorf mit globalen Wertschöpfungsketten, und da stellt sich wirklich die Frage, was zu tun ist. Geben wir Konzernen Schmierfett, oder regulieren wir den Markt? Ich bin der festen Überzeugung, dass im Interesse unserer Bürgerinnen und Bürger nur die zweite Option wirklich geschehen kann.

Wenn wir uns das Abkommen angucken, das auf dem Tisch liegt, ist es ein regelbasierendes Abkommen, das Standards setzt, das Verpflichtung zum Umweltschutz enthält und das Verpflichtung zur Einhaltung von Arbeitnehmerrechten betrifft.

Es ist sicherlich nicht perfekt, gar keine Frage. Man kann immer noch Dinge verbessern. Aber es ist ein deutliches Zeichen gegenüber dem Tarifmann auf der anderen Seite des Atlantiks, gegenüber einem, der nicht das Recht zur Geltung bringen will, sondern das Recht des Stärkeren. Deswegen, glaube ich, ist es auch ein wichtiges geopolitisches Zeichen, dass wir hier regelbasierten Handel mit einem verlässlichen Partner durchsetzen wollen. Das ist auch ein Zeichen gegenüber den USA für zukünftige Verhandlungen.

  Charles Tannock (ECR). – Madam President, the conclusion of the EU-Japan (Economic) Partnership Agreement which I strongly support is yet another example of the EU’s successful global free trade and political cooperation agenda. It’s also a major rebuff to Brexiteers in my country, who insist that one of the key reasons for leaving the EU is in order to conclude FTAs with important UK trade and strategic partnership countries that the EU is unable to deliver for the United Kingdom. This just isn’t true. Japan is an important trading partner for my country, and it has been a huge source of foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly into the car industry in Britain.

This deal will remove tariffs on over 90% of exports, including all those on fisheries. It will also see Japan recognise EU geographical indicators and contains provisions on services, including financial services, which would have been of particular benefit to the UK, which Brexit now sadly removes forever. It will remain to be seen whether the UK can independently replicate as generous a bilateral deal in the future without the combined clout of the 27 other EU Member States and the promise of access to the world’s largest single market.

  Marietje Schaake (ALDE). – Madam President, Japan and the EU are partners in respecting the rule of law, democracy, rules-based trade, multilateralism and openness. This makes the Economic Partnership Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement all the more important in times when strongman politics from Washington to Beijing are challenging the very model that has brought our citizens the highest quality of life. This is a crucial moment for Europe to lead. Does this trade agreement solve all our problems? No, but it will facilitate the flow of goods and services between us in a smart and sustainable way, and it also allows us to work towards setting high standards in the digital economy, towards WTO reform, towards better environmental protection and reaching the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

I don’t have to remind you of what is at stake in terms of the threats we face to the rules—based order. To colleagues who do not believe this agreement is perfect, I say that complex agreements never are. But do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I look forward to improving our already good relationship with our Japanese friends.

  Franz Obermayr (ENF). – Frau Präsidentin! Ein Abkommen zwischen der Europäischen Union und Japan birgt ein großes wirtschaftliches Potenzial. So könnten die Exporte der Europäischen Union nach Japan – nach einer Studie der London School of Economics – um ein Drittel steigen und das bringt wieder in Europa Arbeitsplätze, und das ist zu begrüßen.

Allerdings möchte ich schon auch kritisch anmerken, dass die Kommission wieder einmal, ähnlich wie bei CETA und TTIP, nicht durch Transparenz geglänzt hat, Frau Kommissarin, und wieder mal weitgehend hinter verschlossenen Türen verhandelt hat. Auch die Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit – unabhängig davon, wie man dazu steht – erst nach der Zusage zum Handelsabkommen abzuschließen, ist für mich unverständlich.

Es ist daher für mich schade, dass ein grundsätzlich gutes Abkommen durch Intransparenz, durch Verhandlungen in Portionen – also wieder mal durch das Verhalten der Kommission – in ein schlechtes Licht gerückt wird. Das bedaure ich sehr, speziell im Zusammenhang mit dem wichtigen Abkommen mit Japan.

  José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra (PPE). – Señora presidenta, señora comisaria, señorías, se ha subrayado en el curso de este debate por diferentes colegas el carácter estratégico de este Acuerdo, que llega en un momento muy particular de nuestro calendario, después de unas largas y arduas negociaciones, después de la reunión del G—20 en Buenos Aires, donde el presidente Trump ha presentado la nueva versión del acuerdo con su país, México y Canadá, y casi al final de esta legislatura.

Creo que hay que felicitar a la Comisión por la conclusión de esta negociación y por su política comercial, que constituye uno de los grandes éxitos de la Comisión Juncker. Lo corroboran los acuerdos con Canadá, los acuerdos con Vietnam, Singapur y México y los mandatos con Australia y Nueva Zelanda. Y también creo que hay que reconocerle a la Comisión el esfuerzo por liderar un orden comercial basado en normas y valores.

La asignatura pendiente, señora comisaria, es el acuerdo con el Mercosur. Espero que después de veinte años aprovechemos esta oportunidad y espero que mañana haya una gran mayoría por este Acuerdo Unión Europea-Japón, que redundará en beneficio de nuestros ciudadanos, dará mayores oportunidades a nuestras empresas y creará más y mejores puestos de trabajo.

  Claude Moraes (S&D). – Madam President, Commissioner Jourová was here earlier because, as part of the conclusion of the EU-Japan trade agreement, the Commission is expected to adopt the adequacy decision with Japan by early 2019. With the simultaneous development of an agreement on personal data transfer from Japan to the EU, this will result in the first ever two-way adequacy finding, leading to the creation of the world’s largest area of free and safe data flows. This is to be welcomed, and it was the result of our mission in October from the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. It is welcome because new developments in big data robotics and artificial intelligence make it increasingly important that strong data protection systems are in place.

As Commissioner Malmström will know, we have called for further clarification in order to ensure that all personal data are protected when transferred to Japan under the definitions of the GDPR. The GDPR is respected in Japan – we saw it for ourselves – and we believe a strong relationship will be built. We believe that this adequacy decision can send out a strong signal to countries around the world, including Japan of course, that convergence with the EU’s high data protection standards offers very tangible results.

  Joachim Starbatty (ECR). – Frau Präsidentin! Ich habe eine Bitte. Vor einigen Tagen bin ich überschwemmt worden mit Spamnachrichten, wonach mir in Tausenden von E-Mails klargemacht wird, welches Verhängnis auf uns zukommt, wenn wir diesem Vertrag zustimmen. Ich bitte doch meine Kollegen, die Kontakte zu diesen Gruppen haben, zu sagen, sie sollen diese Unsitte lassen, uns mit identischen E-Mails zu belästigen.

Ich bewundere Herrn Scholz – Sie sind ein kluger Mann – und Herrn Buchner. Wenn ich so höre, was Sie sagen. Wissen Sie, der Binnenmarkt, den wir haben, wäre nicht zustande gekommen, wenn es nach Ihnen gegangen wäre. Jeder Binnenmarkt bedeutet doch, dass der Wettbewerb schärfer wird. Das ist ja gerade die Möglichkeit für Produktivitätssteigerungen, davon leben wir doch. Ich verstehe einfach nicht, wieso Leute wie Sie, die einen klaren Verstand haben, gegen dieses Abkommen sind. Das sind doch ideologische Vorurteile, die Sie haben, oder, Herr Buchner? Das ist ja gerade kindisch, was ich da höre über Ihre Angelegenheiten. Man muss doch jetzt das Große sehen und es nicht nur im Kleinklein sehen. Ich bitte die Fraktionen, doch einmal das Ganze zu sehen und nicht nur immer kleinklein, sondern die Ideologie beiseite zu lassen und sich der Sache zuzuwenden.

  Hilde Vautmans (ALDE). – Mevrouw de voorzitter, commissaris, collega's, morgen gaan we stemmen over de grootste bilaterale handelsovereenkomst waarover de EU ooit heeft onderhandeld, de economische partnerschapsovereenkomst EU-Japan. Er komt een handelszone van maar liefst 600 miljoen consumenten die 40% van de wereldhandel zal vertegenwoordigen.

Europa en Japan geloven in de kracht en de voorspoed van specialisatie en vrijhandel in tegenstelling tot de Amerikaanse president Trump, die liever op zijn eiland zit en protectionisme aanbidt. Wij kiezen voor samenwerking op meer dan veertig terreinen: onderwijs, landbouw, migratie, terrorismebestrijding. En waarom? Omdat wij denken dat we in deze geglobaliseerde wereld meer moeten samenwerken. Omdat we gelijkgezinde partners zijn met dezelfde waarden en normen, maar ook omdat we in dialoog willen gaan over punten waarover we het misschien niet eens zijn. Wij vragen ook aan Japan om de doodstraf af te schaffen. Wij vragen Japan om een verbod op de walvisjacht in te stellen en om een verbod in te stellen om cosmetica te testen op dieren. Collega's, dit is een goed akkoord, goed voor onze bedrijven, goed voor onze landbouw.

  David McAllister (PPE). – Madam President, JEFTA is a landmark agreement for global free and fair trade. Remaining committed to a rules-based multilateral order, we are as a European Union proving that trade is about more than just tariffs – it is also about values and principles. Trade is an important part of EU-Japan relations; we have heard this this afternoon. However, securing peace and maintaining stability in eastern Asia is also in our core interest.

In April this year, I headed a Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) delegation to Japan, with the objective of identifying areas of common interest in our foreign and security policy. Out meetings in Tokyo clearly demonstrated that Japan and the European Union are like-minded partners; we need to increase our cooperation, including at the global and strategic level. The Strategic Partnership Agreement aims for solutions on common challenges such as climate change, energy supply and threats to security. I believe it is a major step forward and it demonstrates that we, as a European Union, are a reliable and consistent partner and a true global player.

  David Martin (S&D). – Madam President, in a turbulent world I warmly welcome these two agreements, which bring stability, both in economic and political terms, to the relations between the European Union and Japan.

As the rapporteur has rightly said, this is not only the largest trade deal done in the world or done by the European Union, but it is also the most progressive. I want to pay tribute to Pedro Silva Pereira for the way that he has pursued the TSD chapter and got assurances from the Japanese in relation to its implementation, and also the way that he has argued with the Japanese about the need to ensure that the two ILO Core Conventions they have not yet signed are ratified as soon as possible and received positive responses from the Japanese in that respect. It is to his great credit that he has pursued these with vigour and I think it makes it easier for us to vote for this report when it comes before us tomorrow.

Finally, I’d like to agree with Charles Tannock that the United Kingdom could never negotiate such a progressive free trade deal on its own. It’s only being part of the European Union that allows us to achieve what we have achieved.

(The speaker agreed to take a blue—card question under Rule 162(8))

  Paul Rübig (PPE), blue-card question. – I think it is quite important to see if it is true that whoever is against this EU-Japan agreement is in favour of a war on tariffs. Do you think that those are the two alternatives: either to have an agreement where both sides enjoy a win-win situation or do we enjoy the Trump situation where we have a war on tariffs and trade? What do you think is the best solution for the consumers and for our people in Europe?

  David Martin (S&D), blue-card answer. – Of course nobody in their right mind wants a tariff war. The great advantage of this trade agreement, though, is the way it reduces non-tariff barriers, the way it makes it easier for European companies to access the Japanese market. Our problems in competing with Japan have never been about tariffs. It has never been about differing labour standards; it has been about non-tariff barriers, and this agreement goes to the core of that issue.

  Christofer Fjellner (PPE). – Fru talman! Stater handlar inte med stater. Människor handlar med människor och morgondagens omröstning borde vara självklar!

Ska vi med frihandelsavtalet med Japan göra det lättare för européer att handla med japaner eller ska vi göra det svårare?

Trots att det är självklart så kommer troligtvis en tredjedel av kollegorna här i Europaparlamentet, och många svenskar, att rösta ”mot” i morgondagens omröstning. Jag är stolt över att i morgon kunna rösta ”för” vad som blir världens största frihandelsavtal omfattande ungefär en tredjedel av världshandeln, avskaffa 99 procent av alla tullar, öppna tjänstemarknader och upphandlingsmarknader, samarbeta för att avskaffa handelshinder och regler som hindrar handeln.

I en tid av protektionism, av Trump och av kinesisk expansion kan vi inte överdriva värdet av just här avtalet. Europa lyser som ett starkt ljus, måhända i ett komplett mörker. Det gör att ansvaret för de som röstar ”nej” i morgon är mycket stort. Det är en ansvarslöshet bortom allt förstånd.

  Victor Boştinaru (S&D). – Madam President, it goes without saying that Japan is a likeminded partner. Considering the complex and challenging times we are facing in the global arena, it is strategically important to invest in more cooperation and alignment with Japan on matters from trade to development, foreign affairs and environment. As has been stated before, we the European Union – but overall we, the Socialists and Democrats – have been fighting for a long time now to ensure that this is a significant change in global trade policy and that the new trade agreements benefit not only the few, but the general population. All vulnerable people must be protected, and we must take the necessary measures to mitigate any potential negative effects of globalisation.

This agreement goes in that direction and is better than all others negotiated before. The trade agreement with Japan, as negotiated, allows us to support an open, fair and rule—based WTO system, while promoting the highest standards in the Asian Pacific region, namely in the field of the environment, food safety, consumer protection and labour rights.

  Michał Boni (PPE). – Pani Przewodnicząca! Pani komisarz! Podpisanie umowy handlowej z Japonią jest istotne. W czasach zagrożeń protekcjonizmem poszerzanie związków w wymiarze globalnym przynosi korzyści. Dotyczy to również przepływu danych, skoro żyjemy w świecie gospodarki danych. Ale nie można do dzisiejszej debaty i czwartkowego głosowania dodawać w pośpiechu oceny wypełnienia przez Japonię europejskich reguł ochrony danych osobowych – to osobna ścieżka.

Komisja Europejska wykonała dobrą pracę, tworząc podstawy do stwierdzenia odpowiedniego stopnia ochrony danych zgodnie z art. 45 RODO. Japonia zgodnie ze swoimi regułami prawnymi i kulturowymi wypełnia istotę ochrony danych osobowych. To pierwsza taka umowa, to dobry przykład promocji europejskich zasad ochrony danych, to dobry przykład otwartości Japonii na łączenie rozwoju technologii i ułatwień w handlu z wysokimi standardami uznania praw podstawowych. Niepotrzebne w rezolucji są odniesienia do spraw, które nie stanowią problemu w Japonii, bo to nie buduje zaufania między Unią a Japonią. Dlatego składamy poprawki do rezolucji.

  Maria Arena (S&D). – Madame la Présidente, Madame la Commissaire, chers collègues, il y a trois ans, vous étiez en grande majorité, dans cette assemblée, et vous aussi, Madame la Commissaire, favorables à un mécanisme qui s’appelle l’ISDS dans les accords commerciaux. Pourtant, aujourd’hui, vous êtes en grande majorité d’accord pour dire que ces ISDS étaient toxiques et donc qu’il n’en faut plus.

Qu’en est-il actuellement du développement durable, des droits sociaux et environnementaux? Encore une fois, aujourd’hui, dans cette assemblée, une majorité d’entre vous sont convaincus que ces droits sociaux et environnementaux doivent être facultatifs dans les accords de libre-échange. J’espère que vous serez amenés, vous, Madame la Commissaire, et vous, mes collègues, à changer un jour d’avis.

En effet, pourquoi, dans l’accord UE-Japon, tous les chapitres sont-ils contraignants avec sanctions, sauf quand il s’agit des droits sociaux et environnementaux? Pourquoi en matière de lutte contre la déforestation, l’Union accepte-t-elle de ratifier un accord avec un partenaire qui est le principal acteur du blanchiment des bois illégaux des forêts d’Asie du Sud-Est? Pourquoi les conventions de l’OIT en matière de droits syndicaux ne sont-elles pas un préalable par rapport à ces accords?

Non, je ne pense pas que cet accord soit un accord de nouvelle génération. Je pense que c’est une opportunité ratée d’inscrire le commerce dans une stratégie qui soit respectueuse du droit social et environnemental.

  Jarosław Wałęsa (PPE). – Madam President, this agreement will improve productivity, accelerate GDP growth and create jobs in the EU. Japan is a highly valuable export partner for European farmers and food producers. Therefore, we should welcome that the agreement provides increased export opportunities for EU agri-food products. Also, the agreement will make it easier for EU companies to provide services on the highly lucrative Japanese market. This will give a significant boost to our trade and services.

I have always spoken in favour of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement as it will boost trade in goods and services as well as create opportunities for investments between the EU and Japan. Now I believe that the European Parliament should give its consent as fast as possible to this agreement, so that we can focus on its implementation so that everyone can make use of it as soon as possible.

„Catch the eye”

  Elnök asszony. – Három különböző politikai pártból 11 felszólaló jelentkezett. Mivel 18 perccel vagyunk az éjfélt meghaladó schedule miatt, leszűkíteném a kört Mr. Kellyre, Mr. Pascura és Hadjigeorgiou kollégámra a GUE-ból. Tehát kezdjük a felszólalásokat Mr. Kellyvel, egy perce van mindenkinek, parancsoljon.

  Seán Kelly (PPE). – Madam President, this is great news, particularly for European citizens because they are the people who are going to benefit most in the end. There is great credit due to the Commissioners, especially Commissioner Malmström who has worked so hard not just on this agreement but on other agreements across the globe.

I’m very conscious of the work in Singapore, which we hope to ratify in the New Year, and all this is because of good interaction, good engagement and seeing the possibilities. It’s a win-win situation. Let’s not forget, it’s very important for Japan as well as for Europe – and the geographical indications are, I think, particularly important too. I know, for instance, that Irish whiskey is going to be protected in Japan for the first time – a huge opportunity to develop that area, and indeed other agri-food sectors as well.

(Applause)

I’ll bring you some after Christmas!

So I think that we have to emphasise to our citizens that this is a great opportunity for them and that the European Union can work for them when we all pull together. Cheers to that! Irish whiskey to you all!

  Ioan Mircea Paşcu (S&D). – Madam President, I am addressing you as a member of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Japan. The EU and Japan account for 25% of the world economy and one—third of total world trade. This agreement – the largest ever concluded by the EU – is securing a large part of the economic and world trade system for free trade and multilateralism, now when these principles are not shared as unanimously as before. The Japanese Diet, the lower chamber, has already approved the agreement and the Senate is preparing to do so at the moment.

The agreement has a number of novelties, from dedicated chapters on corporate governance and SMEs, to sustainable development, gender and trade, as well as parliamentary oversight. In conclusion, I encourage my colleagues to vote for this important agreement.

  Τάκης Χατζηγεωργίου (GUE/NGL). – Κυρία Πρόεδρε, νομίζω ότι η συνεργασία των κρατών είναι πάντα ωφέλιμη για τους πολίτες τους. Η συνεργασία φέρνει κοντά τους λαούς και τους πολίτες. Νομίζω όμως ότι σε κάθε συγκεκριμένη συμφωνία πρέπει να μην κοιτάζουμε μόνο τα πράγματα από τη σκοπιά του χρήματος. Εγώ θέλω τους πολίτες να συμμετέχουν στην κοινωνική εργασία, να αισθάνονται ότι είναι μέλη μιας εξέλιξης της οικονομίας, να μην αποσπώνται και να μένει το ζήτημα μόνο πάνω στις εταιρείες. Αυτό το πράγμα δεν οδηγεί στην κοινωνικοποίηση των πολιτών. Πρέπει ταυτόχρονα να υπερασπιζόμαστε μέσα από αυτή τη συμφωνία τα ατομικά δικαιώματα και των Ιαπώνων, που θα εξακολουθήσουν να εργάζονται κάτω από τις ίδιες συνθήκες όπως τις σημερινές, τα περιβαλλοντικά δικαιώματα. Θέση μου είναι ότι η συνεργασία πρέπει να υφίσταται αλλά πάντοτε να είναι προς όφελος των πολιτών και όχι μόνον προς όφελος των εταιρειών.

  Elnök asszony. – Ezt a mai „Catch the eye”-t nem is zárhatnánk jobban, mint egy nagyon kedves kollegánk felszólalásával. Szólítom Kaufmann asszonyt, aki japánul is fog hozzánk szólni, kérném, hogy fordítsa is, sajnáljuk, hogy nincsen erre a mai alkalomra megfelelő fordítás.

  Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann (S&D). – Frau Präsidentin! Als Mitglied der Japan-Delegation und mit Blick auf unsere japanischen Freunde möchte ich etwas auf Japanisch sagen. Die Kabine weiß Bescheid.

(Die Rednerin spricht auf Japanisch.)

  Elnök asszony. – Nagyon köszönjük! Röviden összefoglalná angolul nekünk, hogy le tudjuk fordítani a nézőinknek is?

  Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann (S&D). – Entschuldigen Sie, Frau Präsidentin, ich hatte den Text an die deutsche Kabine gegeben und habe gehofft, dass die Übersetzung funktioniert.

Ich habe kurzgefasst gesagt, dass beide Abkommen sehr, sehr wichtig sind, dass ich ihnen deshalb zustimmen werde und dass ich auch davon überzeugt bin, dass in beiden Abkommen große Chancen für die Bürgerinnen und Bürger Japans und der Europäischen Union stecken.

(„Catch the eye” vége)

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL). – Senhora Presidente, vai permitir-me, gostaria de saber qual foi o critério que usou na distribuição da palavra neste procedimento a que acabámos de assistir. Estive neste debate desde o início do debate e foi logo nessa altura que pedi para usar da palavra. A Sra. Presidente acabou de dar a palavra duas vezes a um mesmo grupo político e duas vezes a um mesmo orador e não permite que outros possam intervir. Gostaria de saber qual foi o critério para proceder desta forma.

  Elnök asszony. – Kedves Kollega! Az alapján adtam meg a szót, amilyen sorrendben Önök jelentkeztek a pártok közül. Az alapján vontam meg a többiektől a szót, hogy időhiányban szenvedünk. Kérem, hogy mindenki írásban adja be a felszólalását.

   You were here from the beginning but somebody put their hand up earlier than you. I am very sorry, I am just saving time for the others and for the interpreters, but thank you very much for drawing this to my attention.

  Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero Fernández (S&D). – Señora presidenta, yo he estado aquí a las tres de la tarde. He pedido el turno de palabra a las tres de la tarde. Le puedo asegurar que muchos de los que estaban aquí, que han intervenido en el turno de «catch the eye» no estaban. No sé cuál habrá sido el procedimiento para solicitarlo. Yo soy miembro de la Comisión de Comercio Internacional. Este es un debate de comercio internacional y no entiendo, en este caso tampoco, por qué no me ha dado la palabra.

  Elnök asszony. – Köszönjük szépen az észrevételét! Azokat választottam, akik nem hagyták el a termet a vita közben, és az Önök csoportjából az alelnöküket választottam a fő beszélőnek, hogyha nem bánja, Pascu urat.

  Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero Fernández (S&D). – Señora presidenta, no, no me he movido de la sala desde que ha empezado el debate. Es más, he estado en esta sala antes de que terminara el debate anterior. Ese tampoco es un argumento.

  Elnök asszony. – Igen, Hölgyem, ezért mondtam, hogy Ön itt volt végig, viszont az alelnöküket választottam, Pascu urat, az Önök csoportjának a fő szószólajaként. Az Ön esetében így döntöttem, az Önök csoportja esetében, tehát ott nem az első felszólalót választottam, és nem is azt, aki végig a teremben tartózkodott, hanem a szocialisták parlamenti alelnökét, Pascu urat.

  Cecilia Malmström, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, I would like to thank the honourable Members for this debate. As some of you said, every agreement is a compromise – you give and you take, and sometimes the end result is not exactly as you wanted but rather good.

You may like this agreement or not, but you have to stick to the truth: there is nothing – and I repeat nothing – in this agreement forcing any country of the European Union, or Japan, to privatise public services. Nor is there anything hindering any country of the European Union, or Japan, from taking back privatised services and renationalising them, as long as this is done in a non-discriminatory way. So stick to the truth.

I also want to reject the claim that this is not transparent. Over the past two years, there have been 40 meetings with EU governments and 15 meetings with Members of this House, including the monitoring group. We have published negotiating texts. We have made available detailed reports of each negotiating round. We have had a lot of public meetings, I have attended several of them, and we put the whole text online in July 2017 when it was finalised. There are also many memos and fact sheets, including on a regional basis, and sometimes online, in which you can look at the content of this agreement. So please stick to the truth.

On data adequacy, I also want to say that this House asked for clarifications. We have launched the process to adopt the final decision involving the opinion of our independent data protection authorities and, once that is finalised, which will be very soon, the EU-Japan mutual adequacy decision would confirm our global lead in setting high standards for the benefit of our citizens.

This is an agreement with a friend and an ally. Japan is a strong democracy that shares our values, and together we stand for fair trade, free trade and sustainable trade, based on multilateral rules – and you all know that they are under question today. The agreement opens up fantastic possibilities for our goods, services and agri-food products, Irish whiskey and many others, that can be sold to the benefit of Japanese customers, and for cooperation in many areas beyond traditional trade. We have had a focus, jointly, on SMEs to try to help them in this regard.

I have learned during these negotiations that we have much more in common with our Japanese friends than maybe we thought a few years ago. I am confident that the trade agreement and the strategic partnership agreement will give us a framework for developing areas of cooperation that are already ongoing, and many others as well, and that we will set a high standard for the world. So, I hope all of you will feel, or at least most of you will feel, that you can vote in favour of this tomorrow so that it can enter into force early next year. Thank you very much for a good debate.

  Alojz Peterle, poročevalec. – Gospa predsednica, hvala lepa za pozorne besede vsem razpravljavcem, vsem kolegom. Hvala za dodatne osvetlitve, predvsem pa za zelo enotno mnenje, da gre za velik projekt, za velik dosežek in za veliko priliko.

Vesel sem, da velika večina razume veliko sliko. In pričakujem, da bo jutri prevladala velika slika in velika ambicija.

To si evropsko gospodarstvo, evropski državljani in japonski državljani tudi zaslužijo. In odgovor na globalizacijo so partnerstva, ki delijo iste vrednote, ista načela in ista pravila.

  Pedro Silva Pereira, Rapporteur. – Madam President, I am glad to see such wide support from the major political groups for this agreement and my draft resolution. I see it in part as a result of our fruitful cooperation. Of course, I respect all the opinions expressed during the debate but I have to say that some of the arguments used against the agreement simply disregard its content – and that goes not only for this idea of privatisation of public services but also for the undermining of democratic basic rights, because the right to regulate is clearly protected in this agreement.

Others say that this agreement is only about free trade: on the contrary, this is a sound economic partnership agreement with a sustainable development chapter and important and binding environmental, labour and consumer-protection provisions. And some even say that this agreement will affect the wellbeing of Japanese farmers – meaning, of course, that it is perhaps too good for European farmers. Well, I’ve heard a lot of debate on other trade agreements because they might affect rural development and jobs in the agricultural sector, and now this agreement is deemed too good for European farmer!

I think, on the contrary, that we have good reasons to be in favour of this agreement, because it is economically important, it is strategically important, it is a step forward regarding sustainable development, and it gives us a chance, as Parliament, to send a clear message in favour of the progressive and full use of the agreement’s potential. Let us not miss this opportunity tomorrow.

  Elnök asszony. – Egy állásfoglalásra irányuló indítványt juttattak el hozzám az eljárási szabályzat 123. cikkének (2) bekezdésével összhangban.

A vitát lezárom.

Az EU–Japán stratégiai partnerségi megállapodásról szóló jelentés szavazására 2018. december 12-én, szerdán kerül sor.

A személyes adatok Japán által kínált védelmének megfelelősége című bizottsági nyilatkozat szavazására 2018. december 13-án, csütörtökön kerül sor.

Írásos nyilatkozatok (162. cikk)

  João Ferreira (GUE/NGL), por escrito. – “Karoshi” é a expressão japonesa para designar a morte por exaustão. Uma situação infelizmente bem conhecida no Japão, resultado de elevados níveis de exploração, de longuíssimas jornadas de trabalho, com várias horas de trabalho não pago. É com este país – que não ratificou até hoje várias convenções da Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT), como as relativas a direitos laborais fundamentais – que a União Europeia assinou um acordo de livre comércio que, objetivamente, criará uma pressão para degradar os direitos laborais e os salários dos trabalhadores europeus.

Sublinhe-se que a União Europeia não coloca sequer como exigência para a entrada em vigor do acordo a prévia ratificação das convenções da OIT por parte do Japão. Será um acordo, mais um, feito à medida dos interesses das multinacionais das principais potências europeias e das multinacionais japonesas. Multinacionais cujas estratégias de deslocalização poderão deixar um rasto de destruição e desemprego nalguns países.

Este acordo não foi sequer alvo de uma análise específica detalhada por país do impacto nos respetivos sectores produtivos. Significativamente, é apoiado pela direita e pela social-democracia, que proclamam mil e uma virtudes mas querem fugir à ratificação nos parlamentos nacionais. Assim se vê o escrúpulo democrático de quem está sempre pronto a defender os interesses do capital e a atacar os trabalhadores.

  Anna Elżbieta Fotyga (ECR), in writing. – I cordially welcome the EU-Japan trade deal, which represents a robust instrument and a significant enabler for deepening long—term, strategic cooperation between the EU and Japan. The arrangement underlines the continued relevance of rules—based and open international trade. Throughout the SEDE mission to Japan last year, I had an opportunity to meet with representatives of the Japanese parliament (Diet), government, think—tanks and defence industry. We discussed the future of EU—Japan cooperation, Japan’s contribution to EU missions and operations as well as Japan’s ongoing security and defence reforms, North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and the tensions in the South and East China Seas. The EU and Japan share core interests in a broad variety of regional and global economic and security matters. These interests entail addressing barriers to free trade and security challenges through soft mechanisms, close cooperation and enduring friendship.

  Dietmar Köster (S&D), schriftlich. – Ein fairer Welthandel ist notwendig. Freihandelsabkommen können ein guter Hebel sein, um weltweit beispielsweise bessere Arbeitnehmer*innenrechte und Umweltschutz voranzutreiben. Diesen Ansprüchen wird das Freihandelsabkommen mit Japan allerdings nicht gerecht.

Das JEFTA hat durchaus einige positive Punkte. Ich begrüße ausdrücklich, dass die Umsetzung des Pariser Klimaschutzabkommens von 2015 in einem eigenen Kapitel im Vertrag aufgenommen worden ist und damit deutlich über das CETA hinausgeht.

Es ist jedoch nicht akzeptabel, dass Japan nur sechs der insgesamt acht IAO-Kernarbeitsnormen ratifiziert hat. Besonders wenn man davon ausgeht, dass ein Freihandelsabkommen einen verstärkten Wettbewerbsdruck nach sich zieht, bilden diese Regeln einen unerlässlichen Mindestschutz vor dem Abbau von Sozialstandards. Außerdem kritisiere ich, dass man im JEFTA die Möglichkeit einer strengeren Klima- und Umweltschutzpolitik nicht nutzt. Es wurden wieder keine Sanktionsmöglichkeiten im Fall von Verstößen aufgenommen. Darüber hinaus existiert kein einklagbares Recht für Arbeitnehmer*innen.

Das Abkommen ist von einer demokratiefeindlichen Haltung geprägt, die politische Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten einschränken will, sofern sie negative Auswirkungen auf den Freihandel haben. Das macht es auf nationaler und kommunaler Ebene schwierig, neue Umwelt- oder Arbeitsschutzregeln zu erlassen, da diese als „nichttarifäres Handelshemmnis“ gelten können.

Die Möglichkeit, Globalisierung zu gestalten und die Kluft zwischen Gewinnern und Verlierern des Welthandels zu schließen, wurde mit JEFTA erneut verpasst. Daher sollten wir das Abkommen ablehnen.

  Urmas Paet (ALDE), kirjalikult. – Jaapaniga sõlmitavad lepingud (strateegiline partnerlus ja majanduskoostöö) tugevdavad ELi ja Jaapani kahepoolseid suhteid. Suurendatakse koostööd mitmes valdkonna, nagu välispoliitika ja julgeoleku küsimused, ränne, kliimamuutused, küberohud jne.

Vabakaubandusleping aga seni suurim ELi poolt sõlmitud selline leping ning pakub ELi toodete eksportimiseks olulisi võimalusi, rakendades samas meetmeid kõige tundlikumate toodete kaitsmiseks. Lepinguga on hõlmatud muu hulgas autod, riigihanked, põllumajandustooted, toiduained jne.

ELi ja Jaapani ühine visioon globaalsete probleemide lahendamisel hõlmab terviklikku ja sidusat diplomaatilist, majanduslikku, kultuurilist ja julgeolekualast käsitlust. Jaapani roll ka piirkondlike probleemide lahendamisel on oluline, sh rahu edendamine Korea poolsaarel, merendus- ja territoriaalvaidluste lahenduste saavutamine Ida-Hiina ja Lõuna-Hiina merel ja ka näiteks ASEANi suutlikkuse suurendamine.

  Marijana Petir (PPE), napisan. – Ribarstvo značajno sudjeluje u izvozu prehrambenih proizvoda Republike Hrvatske. Vrijednost izvoza proizvoda ribarstva viša je od vrijednosti uvoza zahvaljujući izvozu naše tune i to upravo u Japan. Sporazumom o gospodarskom partnerstvu između EU-a i Japana predviđaju se nove tržišne mogućnosti, kao što su sniženja carina te veća dostupnost tržišta za male i srednje poduzetnike.

Iako će hrvatski poljoprivredni i prehrambenih proizvodi imati lakši pristup japanskom tržištu, nažalost, čini se kako to nije iskorišteno na najbolji mogući način. Naime, Sporazumom o gospodarskom partnerstvu predviđa se zaštita 205 europskih oznaka zemljopisnog podrijetla među kojima nema nažalost niti jednog hrvatskog proizvoda.

Smatram da je važno da se naši proizvodi s oznakom zemljopisnog podrijetla koji su već prepoznatljivi na europskom tržištu plasiraju i u druge zemlje. Sporazumi donose nove mogućnosti za naše proizvođače i hrvatsku poljoprivredu, a Hrvatska kao punopravna država članica mora imati svoje mjesto u trgovinskim sporazumima koje EU sklapa s drugim državama.

Očekujem od nadležnih u hrvatskoj Vladi da se angažiraju oko ovog pitanja jer je nedopustivo da nema hrvatskih proizvoda s oznakom zemljopisnog podrijetla u trgovinskim sporazumima EU-a i drugih zemalja.

  Monika Smolková (S&D), písomne. – Dohoda o hospodárskom partnerstve (DHP) medzi Európskou úniou a Japonskom má veľký strategický význam. Je to najdôležitejšia dvojstranná obchodná dohoda, ktorú EÚ uzavrela a ktorá predstavuje takmer tretinu svetového hrubého domáceho produktu (HDP), takmer 40 percent svetového obchodu a viac ako 600 miliónov ľudí. Som presvedčená o tom, že dohoda predstavuje vyvážený a komplexný výsledok významnej hospodárskej hodnoty pre EÚ, jej občanov a podniky. Hlasovala som za správu, pretože v dohode sa stanovujú nové trhové príležitosti, najmä pre odvetvia, ktoré z obchodných dohôd zvyčajne nemajú veľký prínos (napr. poľnohospodárstvo). DHP obsahuje niekoľko nových prvkov, ako napríklad záväzok dodržiavať Parížsku dohodu o zmene klímy a osobitné kapitoly o správe a riadení spoločností a MSP. Dohoda v plnej miere rešpektuje aj právo regulovať a chrániť verejné služby. Verím, že dohoda má potenciál prispieť k vytváraniu udržateľného rastu a dôstojných pracovných miest pri súčasnom presadzovaní hodnôt Únie a dodržiavaní prísnych noriem v oblastiach, ako je bezpečnosť potravín, ochrana životného prostredia a pracovné práva.

  Michaela Šojdrová (PPE), písemně. – Jednoznačně podporuji dohodu o hospodářském partnerství mezi EU a Japonskem. Po krachu jednání TTIP je EU velmi úspěšná v uzavírání obchodní dohod s klíčovými zeměmi a geopolitickými spojenci. Po Kanadě následuje tedy Japonsko, třetí největší světová ekonomika. Objem vzájemného obchodu je již nyní velmi významný. V EU na něm závisí až 600 000 pracovních míst. Díky této dohodě se ale tato čísla mohou výrazně zvýšit: vývoz EU do Japonska může být až o 34 % vyšší. Levice straší volným obchodem a ústupem od regulačních standardů apod. Strašila tak u TTIP, u CETA a jinde. Ukazuje se, že se jedná o plané obavy. Dohoda EU-Japonsko bude nejvýznamnější obchodní dohoda světa a velký zájem na ní má i česká ekonomika.

  Romana Tomc (PPE), pisno. – Kot podpredsednica delegacije za odnose z Japonsko bi rada najprej čestitala poročevalcem, še posebej kolegu Peterletu in vsem, ki ste ta sporazum pripravljali.

Trgovina s storitvami med Evropsko unijo in Japonsko je v stalnem porastu in projekcije kažejo, da se bodo transakcije v prihodnosti še povečevale. Japonska je bila vedno naš partner na vseh področjih. Verjamem, da bo ta sporazum omogočil še boljši in lažji dostop nekaterim evropskim storitvenim podjetjem na japonski trg. Vsi smo seznanjeni z napovedmi o ohlajanju naših gospodarstev, zato bo vsaka možnost za nove zaposlitve v prihodnosti dobrodošla. Japonska je četrti največji trgovinski partner Evropske unije.

Pozivam kolege, bodimo odgovorni, jutri podprimo sporazum in s tem omogočimo novo obdobje našega prijateljstva z Japonsko. Naj zaključim s pregovorom, ki ga menda poznajo vsi jeziki, tudi japonski: kar bomo sejali, to bomo želi. Naj naše sodelovanje obrodi bogate sadove.