Overview of the European Union´s recent policy statements in support of Fair Trade

In the wake of the newly elected European Parliament  the Fair Trade Advocacy Office has put together an overview of the most relevant policy and political statements by institutions of the European Union in support of Fair Trade from 2006 until today.

The document lists example from the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, including:

«The Commission intends to play a stronger role as facilitator of companies’ own engagement for development, for instance by encouraging responsible investment in developing countries, or sustainable supply chains and production patterns. (…) Responsible business practices by companies will be reinforced through the promotion of consumer awareness concerning sustainable consumption and production patterns and practices, and the promotion of fair and ethical trade».

[Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, A Stronger Role of the Private Sector in Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Developing Countries, 13 May 2014]

«The European Parliament recalls that Parliament is committed to free and fair trade – not only the Member States but also the Union as a whole have a social responsibility. (It) reiterates its earlier call on the Commission to ensure coordinated policies in support of Fair Trade.»

[European Parliament resolution on a New Trade Policy for Europe under the Europe 2020 Strategy, 27 September 2011.]

«The Committee of the Regions calls for a common European Fair Trade Strategy for Local and Regional Authorities to be drafted, accompanied by an action programme that fulfils environmental and social criteria, in order to support Fair Trade and environmental and social procurement.»

[Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Contributing to sustainable development: the role of Fair Trade and Non-governmental trade-related sustainability assurance schemes, 09 and 10/02/2010.]

«The Council agrees that the Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) work programme should (…) focus on (…) emerging issues of importance for sustainable development such as the promotion of core International Labour Organization (ILO) labour standards and the decent work agenda, Multilateral Environment Agreements, Corporate Social Responsibility and Fair Trade initiatives and other non-governmental trade-related sustainability assurance schemes.»

[Council conclusions on Policy Coherence for Development (PCD), 17/11/2009.]