CETA Pressinformation

European Parliament adopts CETA investment treaty
Netherlands in unique position with CETA referendum
Now that the European Parliament has adopted the controversial European-Canadian investment treaty CETA, a referendum in the Netherlands on CETA is rapidly moving closer. The organization More Democracy (Meer Democratie) tas taken the initiative for a coalition that has already gathered 200,000 signatures under a petition calling for this referendum (see www.ceta-referendum.nl). The Netherlands are the only EU member state where currently a referendum “from below” is being prepared on CETA. Possibly, Ireland will hold a (constitutionally mandated) referendum.
Public majority against CETA
CETA should now be treated in all national parliaments. “We hope the Dutch parliament will be sensible and reject CETA. But if they don’t, then it’s our turn and we will organize a referendum. From several polls we know that the more people know about CETA and TTIP, the more they are against”, says Niesco Dubbelboer, spokesperson of More Democracy.
CETA is a danger to democracy
Just like its American twin brother TTIP, CETA undermines democracy. Dubbelboer: “Through special courts of arbitration, multinational investors – and only they – can demand billions in fines from governments when they alter policies in the common interest. Rules between Canada and the European Union will be equalized. This means we’re giving up sovereignity over our standards regarding, among others, labour, the environment, animal welfare and consumer protection.”
CETA is TTIP through the back door
“Moreover, CETA is TTIP through the back door. Eighty percent of the American corporations who are active in Europe, also have a Canadian branch. Thanks to CETA, they can still file claims to the tune of billions with European states. We don’t want this”, says Dubbelboer.
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