On 'Fair trade? The European Union's trade agreements with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries

The UK Parliament's International Development Select Committee Report today published a fairly damning report on EPA negotiations and the role of the European Commission.

This report contains fierce criticism from a parliamentary body with considerable experience and stature. They have highlighted a clear development gap between Peter Mandelson's positive rhetoric and the European Commission's current behavior.

This report reflects growing disquiet with the way that the Commission is handling these negotiations.

One of the major problems highlighted by this report is the lack of development expertise within DG Trade, and their dogged failure to consult.

After hearing directly from Peter Mandelson, this enquiry's simple message is Mandelson to put DG Trade's house in order.

Report Highlights Include:
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*1* Fierce Criticism of the European Commission

'We are concerned that the EU is approaching the negotiations with the ACP as if they were a game of poker. The Commission is refusing to lay its cards on the table and to dispel the ACP