TiSA: Yes to better international regulation, but No to lower domestic regulation

Viviane Reding declared: "The European Parliament is leading by example with the view to turning negotiations on the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) into a reference model, thereby restoring citizens' trust and companies' confidence in EU's trade policy. This agreement aims to enhance international rules in several sectors such as financial, digital and transport services, and is currently negotiated by 24 WTO Members, which altogether represent 70% of global trade in services. As Rapporteur, I am committed to using all the information as well as all the powers at my disposal to ensure that TiSA will be a safety-net for our citizens at home and a market-opener for our companies abroad."

In terms of procedure, she added: "After one year of relentless monitoring of each stage of the negotiations, constant analysis of all negotiating documents, as well as intense conversation within and outside the EU institutions with civil society, it is our responsibility as Members of the European Parliament to set clear directives about what TiSA we want and what TiSA we don't want. With the view to seizing the many opportunities and addressing the few challenges embedded in TiSA negotiations, transparency is a must, dialogue a prerequisite and accountability of utmost importance. Citizens expect and deserve nothing less."

In terms of content, Viviane Reding stated: "As the world champion in trade in services, the EU should not punch below its weight. TiSA is an opportunity to shape globalisation, ensure more reciprocity in terms of access to foreign markets and provide more rights to consumers. That being said, the EU should not punch above its weight either. Our public and cultural services must be unequivocally excluded, our right to regulate fully preserved and our fundamental rights duly safeguarded".

In conclusion: "TiSA cannot be labelled as cure or curse before it is finalised. Instead, the European Parliament must work constructively and pragmatically to positivise, demystify and prioritise TiSA negotiations so as to ensure that a good agreement is reached, in the interest of European companies and consumers alike. In the current public debate, polarised between those in favour of red lines only and those opposing any red lines, there is room for a third way. TiSA will be balanced, or it will simply not be."

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Negotiations on the Trade in Services Agreement started in April 2013 to enhance international rules in several sectors such as financial, digital and transport services, and now include 24 WTO Members, which altogether represent 70% of global trade in services. After fourteen rounds of negotiations, which have been closely monitored by the Members of the European Parliament, the Rapporteur Viviane Reding seeks to draw clear guidelines for negotiations so as to shape their course in the best interest of European consumers and companies. Building upon intense preparatory work summarised in a working document published on 15 September, her draft report will be discussed in the International Trade Committee on 15 October and then amended by all the MEPs over the next few weeks. The European Commission, which negotiates on behalf of the European Union, will have to follow the final recommendations for the European Parliament to consent to the agreement once concluded.