Protesters Europe wide march against controversial trade deal between EU & US
Published time: April 18, 2015 15:05
People across Europe have kicked off a day of action against an emerging free trade pact with the US. They fear it could see corporate interests undermine worker’s rights and consumer protection.
Crowds have gathered in London, Munich, Brussels and other major European cities to march against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and similar secretive international trade deals.
The day of action consists of over 500 separate events, including rallies, marches and public statements.
Over 500 protests taking place around the world against free trade pacts today – this is global resistance! #A18DoA
The agreement is being negotiated behind closed doors, with the next round of talks scheduled for Monday in New York. It will open free trade between the EU and the US, bringing down restrictions on the flow of goods. Its sister agreement, CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), is aimed at achieving similar links between the EU and Canada.
TTIP is expected to be finalized by early 2016. It will become the most important and encompassing agreement of its kind, covering a market of over 800 million people. Its supporters hail the possible $100 billion yearly boost in trade between the EU and US.
However, the deal has been meeting opposition in Europe, with a recent European Parliament vote on its adoption being postponed after a draft resolution led to almost 900 proposed amendments.
The previous day of action took place in October 2014 and was hailed as a success by the Stop TTIP group, with hundreds of activities across Europe, thousands of signatures on petitions against TTIP, and increased media attention on the movement.
http://rt.com/news/250901-ttip-global-action-day/