Case: Policy coherence in general

26-05-2010 PCD in Colombia FTA negotiations

With the adoption of the Report on EU Policy Coherence for Development in the plenary session mid may, the Parliament officially asks the Comission to include legally binding social and enviromental standards systematically in trade agreements negotiated by the EU, in order to promote the objective of trade working for development. In this context Marc Tarabella (S&D) asks the Council whether the social and enviromental standards have been assessed in the talks with Colombia concerning a free trade agreement.
 
The EU has dedicated itself to eradicating poverty in its Development Policy and therefore must ensure that other policies do not counteract any efforts to fight poverty. Trade agreements are notorious for being incoherent with the development policy, due to some side effects like unemployment, collapse of local industry and unfair competition.
 
Tarabella is aknowledged as a Fair Politician for bringing Policy Coherence for Development to the attention of the Council and for his efforts to make EU policies more fair.

Monitor fair: S&D

Question for written answer P-3802/2010
to the Council
Rule 117
Marc Tarabella (S&D)

Subject: Social and environmental standards for the free trade agreement between Colombia and the European Union

On 18 May 2010, Parliament adopted Franziska Keller's report on EU policy coherence for development and the 'official development assistance plus concept' (ODAplus).
In paragraph 70 of the aforementioned report, Parliament 'asks the Commission to include legally binding social and environmental standards systematically in trade agreements negotiated by the European Union, in order to promote the objective of trade working for development'.

Can the Council say whether it believes that social standards, working conditions and progress made in these areas were examined during talks leading to the free trade agreement between Colombia and the European Union? 
If so, what were its conclusions on this