Change the way Europe trades9 December 2008
New European trade deals pose a serious threat to forests, biodiversity and livelihoods.
Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are deals currently being negotiated between the EU and 76 countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
Undercutting Africa
EPAs will lock countries' economies into a model based on the exploitation and export of their natural resources.They will threaten the ability of African governments to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development.
African governments are being pushed to:
- Lift restrictions
on exports of raw materials. - Hand rights to EU businesses
to exploit their natural resources. - Open their markets
to EU products and services
These changes will undermine small-scale businesses, like farmers and industries.
So, EPAs could cause job losses, worsen poverty, and increase pressure on natural resources.
As the financial crisis has made clear, we can't keep removing regulations from companies and giving them the freedom to do what they want.
Press for change
Join the growing resistance around the world. Take action to change the way Europe trades.
Email EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso.
Demand that he stops Europe's destructive trade deals and makes trade work for people and the environment, not just corporations.
Email President Barroso
© Africa Trade Network
