By adopting Sophie IN´T VELD´s report today (D66, Netherlands) on EU Competition policy by a large majority, the European Parliament has endorsed a flexible but rigorous approach to competition rules.

"These past two years have been exceptional, and have demanded exceptional measures.  But the assessment of these measures must be made as soon as possible, especially the state aid given to the banking sector, so that its real impact can be appreciated.  In particular we are looking for evidence of a positive impact from financing the real economy, and developing the green economy, and recognition that competition policy is a key element of economic governance", stated Ms. In´t Veld.

In't Veld endorses the firm stance of the Commission against anti-competitive behaviour, in particular cartels. "Cartels do great harm to consumers, so tough sanctions are in order, in particular for repeat offenders". However, the report calls on the Commission to come forward with proposals for a more sophisticated toolkit of anti-trust measures, including the possibility of individual liability and criminal sanctions.
 
In 't Veld is disappointed that the Commission refuses to change its proposals on Vertical Restraints, which allow manufacturers to explicitly exclude pure online retailers from their distribution networks, in favour of brick and mortar stores.

 "This leads to reduced competition, and therefore reduced benefits for consumers. The Commission should put consumer interests ahead of vested interests. In the 21st century we should make full use of all new opportunities offered by the internet and promote, not stifle competition" she concluded.

Members of the European Parliament have raised concerns today with the European Commission on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), a broad-scope agreement on counterfeiting goods, generic medicines and piracy over the internet, that raises questions of transparency and citizens' rights since the negotiations are conducted in total secrecy. The ALDE group is asking for the Parliament to be provided with immediate and full information about the negotiations in accordance with Art. 218 TFEU before the next round of negotiations begin in New Zealand in April.

Niccolò Rinaldi (IDV, Italy) member of the international trade committee said: "Action against counterfeiting is a key element in a global market for defending consumers and workers. This is crucial for a fair economy but we ask also to include Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in the scope of the agreement. Yet as Liberals and Democrats we are very cautious about the current negotiations, to say the least. There is evidence that the fight against counterfeiting could easily become an extraordinary tool to allow other abuses under the guise of a legitimate cause - from violating citizens' privacy to creating artificial trade barriers."

Sophie In't Veld (D66, Netherlands) vice-president of the justice & civil liberties committee said: "Immediate and full public access to all relevant ACTA documents is essential. Granting access to Members of Parliament only, in a secured room under condition of strict confidentiality is unacceptable. Parliament demands an end to shady negotiations behind closed doors, without a proper mandate, without a clearly defined legal base, and lacking any democratic legitimacy."
 
MEP In 't Veld, who is currently in the final stage of the procedure to get access to the documents and if necessary, she will challenge Council's systematic refusal before the European Court of Justice, also added: "Parliament means business: no three-strikes-out, no warrantless searches and confiscation of laptops or mobile phones! Obfuscating language in the agreement cannot hide the obvious aim of the negotiators to introduce these measures via the backdoor of an international agreement. Citizens have a right to know when their rights and freedoms are being negotiated away."

Alexander Alvaro (FDP, Germany) substitute member of the LIBE committee said: "Any international agreement affecting the everyday lives of European citizens must be discussed in a transparent and public manner - especially when issues such as blocking internet access of citizens under specific circumstances are part of the agreement. The European Parliament has, not without reason, established a clear position on this matter, rejecting the three-strikes-out approach."

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is a proposed multilateral trade agreement for establishing international standards on intellectual property rights enforcement throughout the participating countries (USA, EU, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Canada, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore and United Arab Emirates).  According to its proponents, ACTA is a response "to the increase in global trade of counterfeit goods and pirated copyright protected works."