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TTIP leaks update: Greenpeace response to Commission statements

Brussels, 2 May 2016 – In response to the European Commission’s statements on the TTIP leaks and a blog post by EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström, Greenpeace EU director Jorgo Riss said:

Commissioner Malmström is being disingenuous. The leaked consolidated documents make no mention of the EU’s precautionary principle, which provides a higher level of environmental and consumer protection. The mention of the precautionary principle that Malmström refers to is contained in an EU position paper that is not part of the leaked consolidated chapters.”

“The leaked documents also show the influence of industry lobbies on trade negotiators. The leak mentions several times that negotiators regularly consult with industry and are prepared to represent their positions.”

“Malmström may well promise not to undermine environmental and consumer protection, but the evidence tells a different story. In several areas the US proposes to lower EU standards, but there are no EU proposals in the leaked consolidated documents to counter this.”

“If Europeans are to believe Malmström’s promises, the best thing would be for the EU to publish the latest consolidated chapters with clear proof that the Commission is proposing higher environmental and consumer protection in TTIP.”

The classified documents cover 13 chapters addressing issues ranging from telecommunications to regulatory cooperation, from pesticides, food and agriculture to trade barriers. The leaked documents are available here.

A Q&A document explaining the release of the documents, including a full list of the documents and what they contain, is available here.

Concise analysis of the content of the chapters of the negotiating texts relating to environment and public health is available here.

Contact:

Greenpeace EU press desk – +32 (0)2 274 1911, pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org

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Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.