Activities of James NICHOLSON related to 2015/2105(INI)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on a new, innovative and forward-looking trade and investment strategy
Amendments (9)
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers the opening of new markets and the prioritisation of ambitious and balanced trade agreements, which take into account the sensitivities of European agriculture, to be of the utmost importance; particularly in the context of the current farming crisis and accordingly favours the balanced negotiation of bilateral or multilateral agreements with third countries, provided that the most sensitive sectors are adequately protected;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
(1) Stresses that agricultural trade and the agri-food sector play a key role in driving economic growth and job creation, particularly in rural areas, highlights that investment in the sector and advancing Europe's position as a key player on the global market are essential for the future of European farming;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Opposes any form of negotiation involving the treatment of European agriculture as an expendable bargaining chip and warns of the cumulative effect of tariff concessions granted under different trade agreements; points out that a zero rate of duty is imposed on 71 % of all EU agri-food imports;
Amendment 48 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)
(1) Calls on the Commission to publish an impact assessment of the cumulative effect of tariff concessions and market openings granted under different trade agreements without delay;
Amendment 63 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the Commission to assess the impact on Europe of fresh trade concessions to third countries and forward its findings to the European Parliament before accepting or making any commercial offer; calls on the Commission to engage comprehensively with stakeholders in the European agri- food sector before entering into any new free trade negotiations;
Amendment 82 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes the view that trade agreements should ensure a level playing field between the different trading partners in the agricultural sector, taking into account the high environmental, food safety and social costs to be met by European farmers, so as to ensure that the latter are able to benefit fully from the opening of new markets and to treat as sensitive those products for which direct competition would expose EU agricultural producers to excessive pressure;
Amendment 91 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 4 – point 1 (new)
(1) Stresses that respect for food safety and human and animal health standards should be a fundamental tenet of any negotiations for European agriculture;
Amendment 112 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that the protection of geographical indications should be a sine qua non incentral tenet in all trade negotiations with third countries, especially the USA;
Amendment 113 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 5 – point 1 (new)
(1) Stresses in particular the dangers for the European beef sector if any agreement is made with the Mercosur bloc without adequate protection for this and other sensitive sectors;