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Torsdagen den 5 oktober 2023 - Strasbourg

12.2. Det allmänna preferenssystemet (A9-0267/2023 - Heidi Hautala)

Oral explanations of vote

  Seán Kelly (PPE). – Mr President, the EU GSP mechanism removes import duties from products imported into the EU from vulnerable developing markets. This is critical in assisting developing countries and alleviating poverty, while also fostering sustainable development through the promotion of human rights and good governance.

Although the current scheme lasts until 31 December, the ordinary legislative procedure has yet to be concluded despite seven rounds of trilogues, leaving beneficiaries uncertain of the scheme’s future. As a former standing rapporteur for the GSP scheme, I supported MEP Hautala’s report as it provides GSP beneficiaries with legal certainty and predictability through recommending the extension of the current scheme while negotiations are underway. That’s the least we can do.