We are now in public session. There are two Schedule A proposals for decision: COM (2014) 576, proposal for a Council decision on the signing and provisional application of the economic partnership agreement, EPA, between the West African states, ECOWAS and the UEMOA, of the one part, and the European Union and its member states, of the other part; and COM (2014) 578, proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of the EPA between the West African states, ECOWAS and the UEMOA, of the one part, and the European Union and its member states, of the other part. I propose that these proposals do not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Scrutiny of EU Legislative Proposals
A number of issues and concerns were raised by the committee during this whole process regarding these trade agreements. They were based on the fact that people from the LGBT community in certain countries are not afforded proper and equal rights. Also, a large number of farming representative groups in these countries had major difficulties with the way these trade agreements were to be implemented. A massive part of these trade agreements is enforced liberalisation, which will make it very difficult for many local farmers and agricultural organisations. I propose that this committee send a letter to our own Minister, as a member of the Council of Europe, in an effort to highlight those concerns.
I strongly support the sending of that letter and I believe there may be some opportunity to have this issue discussed at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. That would be appropriate. I am particularly concerned about the issues raised by the farming representatives.
We will agree to write to the Minister and raise those three items: agricultural issues, LGBT human rights, and forced liberalisation of economies. Also, we will write to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Sitting suspended at 2.07 p.m. and resumed at 2.09 p.m.