The China-EU investment agreement is highly controversial – and its future uncertain. Whether and when it will be ratified by the European Parliament is unclear. Nevertheless, it is worth considering the ‘comprehensive investment agreement’. Comprehensive Agreement on Investment; CAI). In the public debate, climate, labour and human rights policy aspects are often discussed. At least as often, however, the EU Commission and other relevant actors act in favour of economic interests. The briefing, published by PowerShift and ten other civil society organisations, takes a nuanced look at CAI as part of EU trade and investment policy. We reject the ratification of CAI because climate and environmental protection, human rights, labour and social standards remain far too vague in the agreement.
The search for a differentiated approach to the Chinese government and a corresponding EU-China policy is a major challenge. In doing so, it is necessary to take into account not only the different economic and political interests of the EU member states, their industries and civil society organisations, but also the tense relationship between China and the USA. A credible reorientation of the EU-China policy must bring civil society in China and Europe on board.
European civil society, in cooperation with its partners in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, must provide critical support for the reorientation of EU-China policy, while remaining a perceptible but differentiated voice.
Our criticism of CAI does not primarily refer to the conclusion of the agreement with the People’s Republic of China – but to the fact that it further enshrines economic liberalisations in favour of export-oriented, global companies and investors. The commitment to protecting climate and environment, human and labour rights must be a clear starting point and anchor for EU trade and investment agreements with third countries. Accordingly, it must be made binding in the agreements.
The briefing is published by PowerShift, AITEC, attac Deutschland, attac Österreich, FNV (Dutch National Trade Union), Forum Umwelt & Entwicklung, Handel Anders!, Plattform Anders Handel, Urgewald, TNI (Transnational Institute) and TROCA – Plataforma por um Comércio Internacional Justo.
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