Negotiations for an EU/Canada Strategic Partnership Agreement. Recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the EEAS

The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Elisabeth JEGGLE (EPP, DE) containing the European Parliament’s recommendation to the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service on the negotiations for an EU-Canada Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).

Members recalled that the relations between the EU and Canada were built on shared interests and values formally dating back to 1976. The SPA currently under negotiation would update and revitalise the relationship between the EU and Canada and considerably contribute to the relations between the parties.  The Agreement would improve not only the institutional structure of relations, but would also provide Europe’s and Canada’s citizens with tangible benefits and opportunities in light of broadening the transatlantic market.

In this context, Members called on Parliament to address the following recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service:

Conditionality clause: Members indicated that all EU agreements with third countries should include reciprocal conditionality and political clauses on human rights and democracy, as a reaffirmation of the mutual commitment to these values and regardless of the state of protection of human rights in those countries. Accordingly, Members insisted that such conditionality should form part of the SPA with Canada, should ensure the consistency of the EU’s common approach on the matter.

Complementary nature of SPA and Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement: Members encouraged all the parties involved to initial and sign the SPA and the CETA at their earliest convenience and to underline their complementarity.

Civil society: Members wanted to ensure that civil society and the main stakeholders are fully involved, informed and consulted in the process.

European Parliament: they asked for periodic reports on the implementation of the agreement to be provided Parliament. These should present an overview of activities carried out and results achieved with regard to the different areas of the agreement.