Europe supports the agreement with Ecuador, but asks for a safeguard on bananas

Image: Expreso

The European Parliament (EP) endorsed yesterday the accession of Ecuador to the trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Colombia and Peru, but stressed that imports of bananas should not harm European producers and requested a specific protection for the sector .

The Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament will hold a first discussion on the safeguard clause to regulate the import of bananas on Monday, November 30, a subject in which the chamber shares the decision power with the Council.

This measure involves the reintroduction of tariffs in the event of a disproportionate increase in imports of Ecuadorian bananas in the EU, which could harm European producers, both in economic and employment terms.

The Ecuadorian government and exporters welcomed the gesture of the European Parliament by confirming their support for the trade agreement through a non-legislative resolution that received 499 votes in favor, 61 against and 86 abstentions in the EP.

Translated into English by Pierina Abad
Source: http://expreso.ec/expreso/plantillas/nota.aspx?idart=8699035&idcat=38269&tipo=2