Case: Policy coherence in general

22-09-2010 MEP Seán Kelly asks about the expiration of the GSP in trade

To end poverty; that is Millennium Development Goal (MDG) number one. The EU has committed itself to the MDGs. Moreover the Lisbon treaty states that the goal of the European development policy is to reduce and eventually eradicate poverty world wide. One of the ways the EU is trying to do this is through the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) in trade. 176 developing countries can export their products to the EU without import tariffs being enforced by the EU, and vice versa. Although we recognize this system is not the best optimum, free trade without restrictions, is important. Otherwise we will take with one hand, what has been giving, via aid, with the other.

MEP Seán Kelly (EPP) asked what will happen after the current agreement on the GSP in trade will expire after 2011. Especially in the light of the stalled Doha round of WTO negotiations. Fair Politics agrees with Kelly that the EU should come with a quick proposal for an hopefully even better GSP construction.

For his concerns expressed towards the GSP in trade we recognize MEP Kelly (EPP) as Fair Politician. Therefore he earns a point in our monitoring system.

Monitor fair: EPP

Parlementary Question
4 august 2010
H-0421/2010
QUESTION FOR QUESTION TIME, by Seán Kelly (EPP)

Subject: Future changes to the Generalised System of Preferences


Could the Council outline what modifications it envisages to the Generalised System of Preferences in trade, for the current 176 developing countries and territories, when the current regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008(1)) expires after 2011?
The GSP is one of the Unions most laudable instruments in supporting developing economies, and with the current stalled Doha round of WTO negotiations, it is essential that we press ahead to help the poorest of the poor trade/work their way out of poverty.