[OpenDemocracy] Battle Royal in Brussels – backroom ‘trade’ deals under fire

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Europeans are in uproar at chaotic attempts by the EU presidency to rush through ‘secret courts’ for investors to sue governments who try to protect their citizens and public services. […]

Across Europe there has been mounting outrage against the idea that public courts aren’t good enough for corporations, and that they should they enjoy a parallel, secret and hugely powerful legal system of their very own. […]

For a democratic and legitimate trade policy, any mandate given to the Commission must be publicly debated in all member states, and agreed in open parliamentary debates. Nothing should be negotiated that the peoples of Europe do not want. All negotiation papers must be open and accessible. And if the Commission and the US Trade Representative say we cannot negotiate such treaties publicly, then there will be no negotiations. […]

https://www.opendemocracy.net/ournhs/jurgen-maier/battle-royal-in-brussels-backroom-%27trade%27-deals-under-fire