Transparency is fundamental in the negotiations of any trade agreement. This is why Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament welcome the decision by member states to make public the negotiating mandate given to the EU Commission on the Trade in Service Agreement (TiSA), currently being negotiated between the European Union and 22 trade partners.
S&D spokesperson on international trade David Martin MEP said:
"S&D MEPs have long been pushing for increased transparency and this is another step in the right direction. The mandate is a key document in order to assess the ambition and scope of the negotiations and we welcome this belated step by the member state national governments."
S&D spokesperson on TiSA Jude Kirton-Darling MEP said:
"Members of this Parliament have a big responsibility in trade negotiations, as in the end we have to accept or reject any trade deal. We simply cannot take these important decisions on our own, and this is why transparency matters so much.
“TiSA touches upon the quality of services. It raises important concerns on our public services, on wages and jobs. We need to get it right, and we need a public debate to reach the best outcome. Thanks to the unprecedented mobilisation of civil society, the TiSA mandate will be disclosed today. It's now up to citizens to exercise their right to be informed and make their opinion known to their representatives in the European Parliament."
