Deputies of the European Parliament have voted against a tightening of the safeguard clause which should protect the banana producers on the French Antilles.
The debate started after a trade agreement the European Union made with Central America, Colombia and Peru. These agreements are a huge threat to future of the banana producers in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Younous Omarjee, delegate of the French Antilles, had therefore submitted amendments which have all been discarded. Omarjee says it is regrettable that the left wing parties (Verts, UMO, Modem) have spoken so clearly against the amendments. They say that the clause respect the social norms enough. The French socialist delegates were more sympathetic for the views of Omarjee, but indicated they would rather follow the World Trade Organisation in this case. Unions of banana producers on Guadeloupe and Martinique have not yet responded to the vote.
The debate started after a trade agreement the European Union made with Central America, Colombia and Peru. These agreements are a huge threat to future of the banana producers in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Younous Omarjee, delegate of the French Antilles, had therefore submitted amendments which have all been discarded. Omarjee says it is regrettable that the left wing parties (Verts, UMO, Modem) have spoken so clearly against the amendments. They say that the clause respect the social norms enough. The French socialist delegates were more sympathetic for the views of Omarjee, but indicated they would rather follow the World Trade Organisation in this case. Unions of banana producers on Guadeloupe and Martinique have not yet responded to the vote.