LMP welcomes parliament approval of resolution on free trade agreements

Budapest, June 13 (MTI) – Outgoing group leader of the green opposition LMP András Schiffer welcomed on Monday parliament’s approval of a resolution under which Hungary will not support the coming into effect of free trade agreements, even on a temporary basis, without the approval of national parliaments.

Schiffer told a press conference that parliament’s decision had European significance because it obliges the government to veto agreements that would represent a step back for Europe in certain issues, such as environmental and health protection, consumer protection, labour rights and human rights. This applies to the free trade agreement currently being negotiated between the US and the European Union, the agreement ready to be signed between Canada and the EU and the agreement on trade services, he said. There is now also a basis for rejecting agreements if they involve anti-democratic procedures for settling disputes, he added.

Parliament earlier approved the resolution proposal submitted by Schiffer with 178 votes in support, 2 against and 5 abstentions.

In line with the resolution, parliament will request the government to take the position that the CETA, the TTIP and the TiSA agreements should only enter force if all EU member states ratify them.

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters