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International Conference on 'Global Europe'

Dec 4th/5th 2008, Brussels

Since November 2006, 'Global Europe' is the new central feature of the EU's external economic policies. Global Europe promotes a globally-oriented Europe and the expansion of the realm of "free trade" rules according to the imperative of "competitiveness". One of the main objectives of Global Europe is to secure enhanced market access and cheap supplies for European industries abroad. This poses a series of questions in terms of compatibility of Global Europe with the sustainability agenda of the European Union, and its commitment towards the sustainable use of natural resources.

Friends of the Earth Europe, together with the Intergroup on Globalisation of the European Parliament, would like to cordially invite you to an International Conference on 'Global Europe', Natural Resources and Sustainability, taking place on 4-5 December 2008 at the European Parliament in Brussels.

The conference aims to fill a gap in the current debate around Global Europe, where civil society groups, NGOs and social movements have been little involved, as compared to the intense activity of European business. It will give a unique opportunity to civil society organisations to have a voice in Brussels policy-making, assess the Global Europe strategy two years after it was launched, and discuss alternative political paths for the European Union.

Registration is open until 26 November 2008.

 

The Trade, Environment & Sustainability (TES) programme - the mission:

Challenge the unsustainable and inequitable nature of trade and investment liberalisation

The Trade, Environment & Sustainability (TES) programme aims to challenge the unsustainable and inequitable nature of trade and investment liberalisation and to promote alternative, equitable and environmentally sustainable approaches to trade.

The EU plays a major role in global trade negotiations. FoEE is seriously concerned about the current position of the EU in the World Trade Organisation and in bilateral trade agreements. This position is based on an ideological 'competitiveness' agenda which is deregulationist in nature and promotes a narrow 'market access' approach to trade.

Friends of the Earth Europe believes that the EU must review its overall position and take a lead role in fundamental changes to the world trading system in line with its sustainable development and poverty eradication objectives.

Many people from all around the world are concerned about the potential negative social and environmental impacts of further trade liberalisation. Friends of the Earth Europe underlines that governments have so far ignored a wealth of evidence that the current world trade system degrades the environment, undermines cultural and biological diversity, promotes undemocratic procedures and increases inequalities.

Already today the implementation of existing WTO's agreement and institutional procedures are undermining environmental and social standards. Now is the time for review and for repair. Now is the time to develop a more sustainable, democratic and equitable trading system for the 21st century in participation with citizens organisations.