Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Europe urged to show steel resolve
6 March 2002
FOE CALLS FOR RETALIATORY ACTION ON GM AND AN ENERGY POLLUTION TAX
Friends of the Earth today called on European Governments to ban US imports of GM food [1]and to levy an energy tax on US goods entering Europe in retaliation for President Bush's imposition of a 8-30% levy on imported steel.
Tony Juniper, director-designate at Friends of the Earth said:
“Mr Bush's action against steel imports proves the hypocrisy of the US's position on free trade. They insist that other countries open their markets to US imports but when free trade doesn't suit their own domestic market, protectionism intervenes.
If Europe retaliates, it should consider banning US GM food imports. Despite the fact that European consumers have said no to GM ingredients, the US has threatened legal action under World Trade Organisation rules if Europe tries to stop them being imported. Now that the US administration has revealed that WTO rules count for little, it is time for Europe to act.
EU Governments should also now levy an energy tax on US imports to compensate for George Bush's refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. If Bush wants to run a pick and mix approach to international agreements, Europe has every right to penalise US goods for the pollution they cause.
Trade rules should be overhauled giving priority to fair trade, not free trade. Perhaps the US will now have more sympathy with these arguments.”
Notes:
[1] The EU currently has a moratorium on the import of new GM products which has led to US threats of legal action under WTO rules. Genetically modified food that was being imported prior to the introduction of the moratorium is still imported to the EU - including GM soya and maize,primarily in animal feed.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
