East of England MEP welcomes news of EU action against Argentina
Brussels, 16th May 2012 – European Union sources have revealed that the EU is on the verge of announcing that it is to file a suit against Argentinain the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the coming days. If the EU wins, Argentina will face ‘very serious trade sanctions’.
This news follows a nosedive in relations between the EU and Argentina over recent months. In March of this year, the Argentine Industry Minister Debora Giorgi contacted 20 major Argentine businesses and called on them to prevent imports from the UK by finding local alternatives. Also in March, the EU, the US and 10 other states wrote a letter of complaint to the WTO highlighting their concerns relating to Argentina’s continuous Import Restricting Policies and Practices. Similarly, the recent nationalisation of the Spanish company Repsol, which has been cited as a major reason for the EU’s moves in the WTO, has further alienated Argentinain the eyes of the EU.
Robert Sturdy, Conservative MEP for the East of England and Vice Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, has been very vocal in demanding that the EU stand up for the UK against the protectionist and illegal trade practices of the Argentine Government.
Commenting on developments, Mr. Sturdy said: “I have long been a proponent of the EU taking concrete action against Argentina in the sphere of international trade and I am fully supportive of the EU’s decision to file a suit at the WTO.”
“These developments are not surprising. The EU’s recent moves at the WTO follow a long chain of non-fulfilments of Argentina’s international obligations which have been built over a number of years. Argentina must realise that it must abide by the rules, or face serious consequences.”
“It is time for Argentina to stop harassing legitimate British and European business and economic activity”
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For further information contact: Robert Sturdy MEP– robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu
Tel: 01954 211790 or 0032 2284 7294
or visit
robertsturdymep.com
Also quoted on Public Service Europe – http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/1933/eu-considering-wto-complaint-against-argentina
