Greenpeace EU: oceanshttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/All oceans related news from the Greenpeace EU uniten-eu(c) 2020, GreenpeaceSat, 22 Feb 2020 14:46:02 Z5about us/agriculture/climate change/forests/nuclear/oceans/other issues/toxics6baf4e81-90be-4008-a420-ec091ea20bc6http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2017/Open-letter-to-Juncker-and-Timmermans-requesting-active-intervention-in-support-of-civil-society-and-democracy-in-Europe/Open letter to Juncker and Timmermans requesting active intervention in support of civil society and democracy in EuropeLeading civil society organisations in Europe have written to Commission President Juncker and Vice-President Timmermans to request your active intervention in In view of the situation in Hungary. <p></p><p> The Hungarian government’s recent moves to stigmatise civil society organisations and by the possible forced closure of the Central European University. These developments will have severe negative implications for Hungarian society, social and human rights and the environment. They are unprecedented in the EU and constitute a serious blow to European<br />values, including freedom of academic exchange.</p><p></p><p>In keeping with the values of the European Union, the seven organisations urge the Commission to ensure that all Members States defend the role of civil society in promoting open and accountable societies.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170411_letter%20to%20COM%20on%20situation%20inHungary_FINAL%20with%20logos.pdf">Read the full letter</a></p>Tue, 11 Apr 2017 13:51:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslullmanna2b658c0-22d8-4594-8ffb-aa5c339d7869http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2017/Open-letter-on-the-independence-and-transparency-of-ECHAs-Risk-Assessment-Committee/Open letter on the independence and transparency of ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee20 health and environmental organisations wrote to the Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency, Mr. Geert Dancet, to express concerns regarding conflicts of interest and transparency at the agency.<p><em>This page was updated on 14 March to include a second letter from ECHA to Greenpeace dated 10 March.</em></p><p></p><p>According to ECHA's own standards, the chairman and two members of the Risk Assessment Agency appear to breach the agency’s own conflict of interest rules. The organisations also criticise ECHA’s practice of basing assessments on unpublished industry studies. <br /><br />ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee is <a href="https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/22932537/rac_40_agenda_en.pdf/81de9087-84fd-aca7-9662-bebef1da1d29">meeting on 8 and 15</a> March to discuss the health and environmental impacts caused by the use of glyphosate.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170306_Open_Letter_ECHA_CoI_Concerns.pdf">NGO letter to ECHA</a> (March 6)</p><p></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7M6sIHEjPjtbmdod3AxV18xUUU/view">ECHA's response</a> (March 7)</p><p></p><p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170308_response_to_ECHA_about_conflicts_of_interest.pdf">Letter expressing Greenpeace's heightened concerns</a> (March 8)</p><p></p><p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2017/20170310%20ECHA%20reply%20to%20Greenpeace%20on%20conflicts%20of%20interest%20glyphosate.pdf">Second ECHA letter</a> (10 March)</p>Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:18:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslullmann3f90ac09-53c6-4c82-a2c0-4e1b85d2512bhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Leaked-TiSA-texts-reveal-threats-to-climate-/Leaked TiSA texts reveal threats to climate Amsterdam/Geneva – Greenpeace Netherlands has released unpublished texts from the TiSA (Trade in Services Agreement) negotiations and conducted an in-depth analysis of the energy chapter, which indicates serious threats to international climate policies.<a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/TiSA_report_EN_sept16_09w.pdf" target="_blank">TiSA_report_EN_sept16_09w</a><br/><p></p><p>Widely unnoticed by the public, the TiSA trade deal could be finalised by the end of this year. Negotiated in secret, some of the leaked TiSA documents are subject to a five-year ban on publication after signing of the deal.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />You can find more information about the leaked documents <a title="here" href="http://www.tisa-leaks.org" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />&nbsp;<br />Check out our analysis of the energy annex:</p>Tue, 20 Sep 2016 07:32:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasimeed7dbfc-fb94-4ba3-9a22-11e70c9895e4http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Civil-society-calls-for-a-new-Europe-for-people-and-planet/Civil society calls for a new Europe for people and planet177 European and national civil society organisations and trade unions signed this common statement, ahead of the EU27 Summit in Bratislava on 16 September 2016.<a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/CSO%20statement%20-%20final%2012092016.pdf" target="_blank">CSO statement - final 12092016</a><br/><p></p><p>"Too many people across Europe are dissatisfied and disillusioned with the European Union and feel remote from its institutions and policies. But there are groups of committed politicians, trade unions, community groups and non-governmental organisations across Europe who are ready to take action and work for a renewed Europe. Together, we can shape a Europe that is inclusive, open, just, sustainable, and that works for people of all ages, social backgrounds and nations."[...]</p>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 14:00:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesabout uslcolasim68b787ba-bcba-41e4-b1fc-0008cdc60d1chttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/CSO-letter---Future-of-Europe/CSO letter - Future of EuropeThis is a common statement signed by 177 European and national civil society organisations and trade unions, ahead of the EU27 Summit in Bratislava on 16 September 2016.<p></p><p></p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/CSO%20statement%20-%20final%2012092016.pdf" target="_blank">CSO statement - final 12092016</a><br/><p>[...] "Too many people across Europe are dissatisfied and disillusioned with the European Union and feel remote from its institutions and policies. But there are groups of committed politicians, trade unions, community groups and non-governmental organisations across Europe who are ready to take action and work for a renewed Europe. Together, we can shape a Europe that is inclusive, open, just, sustainable, and that works for people of all ages, social backgrounds and nations."[...]</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; display: inline !important; float: none;">&nbsp;</span></p>Mon, 12 Sep 2016 08:58:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasimc27ccafd-59ab-44f2-984f-7143b9f1af3fhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/Bratislava-summit-Europe-at-a-crossroads/Bratislava summit: Europe at a crossroadsLetter to EU leaders by environmental organisations ahead of special summit in Bratislava.<a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/file/Bratislava_summit_Green10_priorities.pdf" target="_blank">Bratislava_summit_Green10_priorities</a><br/><p></p><p>The EU is at a crossroads. It can either continue on the current path of deregulation and ‘less Europe’ – a path which has clearly failed to convince citizens both in the UK and across the Union – or it can embark on something new, answering to the needs and aspirations of European citizens. On this new path, instead of focussing on promoting globalisation, the EU would direct its efforts towards managing its impacts on our planet and ensuring that all its citizens can live a good life, well within the planetary boundaries.[...]</p><p></p><p><strong><strong>To read the full letter click on the link below</strong><span>:</span></strong></p>Tue, 30 Aug 2016 08:54:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesabout usjhyland28fca469-315f-4fd5-90cf-ce9255cc6defhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/209-pesticides-used-in-the-EU-could-endanger-humans-or-environment/209 pesticides used in the EU could endanger humans or environment27 July 2016 – Greenpeace Germany today published an updated version of The EU Pesticide Blacklist [1]. This catalogue, developed by an independent expert, classifies all pesticides authorised in the European Union according to their potential dangers for human health and the environment.<p><strong>Christiane Huxdorff, ecological farming campaigner at Greenpeace Germany</strong>, said: <em>“We have to get the most dangerous pesticides for people and the environment off our plates and out of our fields. One toxic chemical can’t just be replaced with another, as has happened with bee-killing neonicotinoids. The blacklist shows that the most toxic synthetic pesticides need to be phased out and replaced with safe, ecological methods.”</em><br /> &nbsp;<br /> The report reviews the 520 active chemical ingredients allowed in the EU and evaluates them according to their potential danger. The blacklist itself contains the 209 most toxic pesticides, identified by their dangers to the environment or human health [2].<br /> <br /> - 111 pesticides qualify for direct inclusion as they satisfy one or more criteria deemed dangerous for human health – such as glyphosate, which was classified by World Health Organisation cancer experts as a probable carcinogen.<br /> - 62 pesticides are included for meeting criteria dangerous to the environment – such as neonicotinoid imidacloprid, which is known to be toxic to bees and beneficial insects.<br /> - An additional 36 pesticides are listed because of their high overall score, combining different categories – such as the fungicide captan, which has carcinogenic and immunotoxic properties, and is known to be toxic to fish and beneficial organisms.<br /> <br /> <strong>Notes to editors:</strong><br /> <strong>[1]</strong> Neumeister, Lars (2016) The EU Pesticide Blacklist, Greenpeace Germany e.V.<br /> <strong>[2]</strong> Criteria evaluated in the scoring system: acute toxicity (short term toxicity user); carcinogenicity; mutagenicity; reproductive and developmental toxicity; operator toxicity (Acceptable Operator Exposure Level) and/or chronic toxicity (long term toxicity, expressed as ADI); immunetoxicity; acute toxicity (short term toxicity consumer expressed as ARfD); neurotoxicity; corrosive properties; explosive properties; endocrine effects on human health and environment; aquatic toxicity (algae); aquatic toxicity (invertebrate, fish); toxicity to birds (predator, parasitoid); toxicity to honey bees; toxicity to earth worm (indicator for soil dwelling organisms); bioaccumulation; persistence; leaching potential; volatility<br /> <br /> For additional information on ecological farming, see: Tirado, Reyes (2015) <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/publications/Campaign-reports/Agriculture/Food-and-Farming-Vision/">“Ecological Farming - The seven principles of a food system that has people at its heart”</a>, Greenpeace International<br /> <br /><a href="https://www.greenpeace.de/sites/www.greenpeace.de/files/publications/20160727_schwarze_liste_pestizide_greenpeace_final.pdf"> Please find the full report here</a>.<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://gp.url/eu-blacklist"><br /></a></p>Wed, 27 Jul 2016 08:53:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesjhyland244486fa-9846-4b34-ad91-b6dc48dcd8c8http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Europe-must-reconnect-with-its-people-and-values/Europe must reconnect with its people and valuesBrussels - Solidarity, sustainability and peace are the answers to today’s challenges, said Greenpeace as EU leaders meet in Brussels today to discuss the aftermath of the UK referendum.<p><strong>Greenpeace EU deputy director Saskia Richartz </strong>said: <em>“The values of peace, democracy, solidarity and sustainability are what bring people together. </em><em>Millions across this continent are already striving to build fairer and sustainable communities. They harness the power of the sun and wind to produce clean energy, they grow and consume local food, and open their houses and wallets to those in need. At its best, the EU nurtures these efforts and secures the well-being and rights of its citizens.”</em></p><p></p><p><em>“The Europe of austerity, deregulation, corporate greed, and closed borders has failed people and planet. It has widened the gap between rich and poor, and eroded our ability to face up to the global challenges of climate change, ecosystem collapse, and war. Whatever the political path forward after the UK's referendum, it’s time for EU leaders to think beyond the common market and build a better society that meets the needs of people and the environment.”</em></p><p></p><p><strong>Note</strong>: Letter to EU leaders by environmental organisations, <em><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/Green10_EU_PostBrexit.pdf">State of the European Union after Brexit - time for a new direction</a></em>, 27 June 2016.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contact</strong>: <strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong> - +32 (0)2 274 1911, pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs:<a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU"> <strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Tue, 28 Jun 2016 09:36:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesabout uslcolasimd7a6361b-4a83-4b33-a527-0e6d72298de6http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/State-of-the-European-Union-after-Brexit-time-for-a-new-direction/State of the European Union after Brexit: time for a new directionLetter to EU leaders by environmental organisations.<p></p><a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/Green10_EU_PostBrexit.pdf" target="_blank">Green10_EU_PostBrexit</a><br/><p>[...] "In the coming days, weeks and months, a debate will take place on the most important question facing the EU: how do we live up to these values and ensure that the policies, structures and institutions that were created to uphold them can do so effectively in the face of fear, alienation and misinformation?"</p><p></p><p>"As ten of the leading environmental networks active at European level, with a collective membership of over 20 million citizens, of whom a significant number live in the UK, we will certainly need to become better in making the case for the values and benefits EU policies have brought for its citizens’ health and wellbeing. This includes cleaner air, water and beaches, thriving wildlife, safer substances and green energy, to name but a few. These benefits should be communicated loud and clear and all the time, not only in the face of an imminent UK departure from the Union." [...]</p><p></p><p><strong>To read the full letter click on the link below</strong>:</p>Mon, 27 Jun 2016 10:30:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issuesabout uslcolasimf3be1a30-c942-459e-9437-56988f194e64http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/NGOs-call-for-EU-to-perform-Fitness-Check-of-CAP/NGOs call for a Fitness Check of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) <a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/NGOs%20letter%20-%20CAP%20Fitness%20Check%20_final_version.pdf" target="_blank">NGOs letter - CAP Fitness Check _final_version</a><br/><p><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/image/2016/agriculture%20for%20CAP.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="166" /></p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>107 NGOs are calling on European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to initiate an in-depth review of food production and consumption in Europe by conducting a Fitness Check of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>Find the full letter below.</p>Wed, 23 Mar 2016 14:32:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslbottoni0fd1ef86-a8ec-4e8a-a60e-16dbf2e87e0fhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/CETA-fake-new-approach-on-investment-protection-/CETA: fake new approach on investment protection Brussels – Today, the European Commission and Canadian government agreed to include a new approach on investment protection and investment dispute settlement in the EU-Canada comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA).<p></p><p>Commenting on the new investment protection and dispute settlement mechanism, <strong>Greenpeace TTIP campaigner Susan Jehoram Cohen</strong> said: "<em>The investment protection court included in the trade deal between the EU and Canada is discriminatory, giving privileges to big business with no strings attached. Only foreign investors can go to court, while local businesses are excluded. Multinationals can sue states, but not the other way around, and exorbitant compensation claims could cost taxpayers dear.</em>"</p><p></p><p><br /><strong>Contact:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a title="pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org" href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p>Mon, 29 Feb 2016 17:00:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasimc7969667-bff5-4860-bfef-0602031c9335http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Greenpeace-blockade-against-EU-US-trade-talks-lifted/Greenpeace blockade against EU-US trade talks liftedBrussels – The Greenpeace blockade on EU-US trade talks has been lifted after Belgian police secured a side entrance for negotiators.<p><strong>CORRECTED: Photos and video of today’s protest available </strong><a href="http://photo.greenpeace.org/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;ALID=27MZIFJ6IWA_2"><strong>here</strong></a><strong> (updated link).</strong></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is determined to continue to take peaceful action against TTIP to defend democracy, people and the environment.</p><p></p><p>Concern about TTIP is growing and involves a wide spectrum of society, including NGOs, the <a href="http://epha.org/spip.php?article6456">health sector</a> and businesses. Greenpeace is giving a voice to the <a href="https://stop-ttip.org">millions of Europeans</a> who have signed petitions and taken to the streets in defence of EU standards on food safety, toxic chemicals, healthcare and workers’ rights.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information on the protest, click <a href="https://p3-admin.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Greenpeace-activists-block-secret-TTIP-talks/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For a Q&amp;A on TTIP, click <a href="https://p3-admin.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/TTIP-Q-and-A-unpacking-EU-US-trade-talks/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contact</strong>: <strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong> - +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a><br /> <br /> Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to&nbsp;change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and&nbsp;to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments,&nbsp;the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:20:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasim7244d974-74aa-4b4c-a376-fd52ecd9b02dhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/EU-US-talks-delayed-as-Greenpeace-continues-protest/EU-US talks delayed as Greenpeace continues protestBrussels – For the past hours thirty Greenpeace activists from seven countries have blocked the entrances to the Brussels building where EU and US negotiators were due to hold secret talks for a trade deal that would give multinational corporations unprecedented power.<p><strong>CORRECTED: Photos and video of today’s protest available </strong><a href="http://photo.greenpeace.org/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;ALID=27MZIFJ6IWA_2"><strong>here</strong></a><strong> (updated link).</strong></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As a result, the talks have been delayed. In the past hour one side entrance has been opened, and some negotiators have been able to enter the building escorted by police.</p><p></p><p>However, the activists are still in place and the protest continues.</p><p></p><p>The activists used wooden and metal barriers to block the entrances, while climbers unfurled a banner depicting a ‘dead-end’ road sign that read: “TTIP: dead end trade deal”.</p><p></p><p>The protesters warned that TTIP – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement – is a threat for democracy, environmental protection, healthcare standards, and working conditions.</p><p></p><p>Negotiators were today due to start a five-day long round of talks on controversial plans to allow foreign investors to challenge rules and laws that protect people and nature, including on food, chemical pollution and energy. The scheme favoured by the Commission – known as <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/From-ISDS-to-ICS-A-leopard-cant-change-its-spots/">Investor Court System</a> (ICS) – would give a new court jurisdiction over democratic states to defend the interests of multinational corporations.</p><p></p><p>Concern about TTIP is growing and involves a wide spectrum of society, including NGOs, the <a href="http://epha.org/spip.php?article6456">health sector</a> and businesses [1]. Greenpeace is giving a voice to the <a href="https://stop-ttip.org">millions of Europeans</a> who have signed petitions and taken to the streets in defence of EU standards on food safety, toxic chemicals, healthcare and workers’ rights.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information on the protest, click <a href="https://p3-admin.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Greenpeace-activists-block-secret-TTIP-talks/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For a Q&amp;A on TTIP, click <a href="https://p3-admin.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/TTIP-Q-and-A-unpacking-EU-US-trade-talks/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[1]</strong> For Germany see <a href="http://www.euractiv.com/section/trade-society/interview/smes-want-a-ttip-rethink/">here</a>. For the UK see <a href="http://www.smeinsider.com/2015/02/12/the-secret-business-plan-that-could-spell-the-end-for-smes/">here</a>. For Austria see <a href="http://www.kmu-gegen-ttip.at/">here</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contact</strong>: <strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong> - +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a><br /> <br /> Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to&nbsp;change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and&nbsp;to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments,&nbsp;the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 10:50:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasimc03951c4-7b94-409f-8aa4-87b2230f530bhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Greenpeace-activists-block-secret-TTIP-talks/Greenpeace activists block secret TTIP talksBrussels – Greenpeace activists have blocked EU and US negotiators from holding secret talks in Brussels for a trade deal that would give multinational corporations unprecedented power.<p><strong>Photos and video will be available later this morning <a title="here" href="http://photo.greenpeace.org/collection/27MZIFJ6IWA_2" target="_blank">here</a>.</strong></p><p></p><p></p><p>The protesters warned that TTIP – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement – is a threat for democracy, environmental protection, health standards and working conditions. Greenpeace calls for an immediate end to TTIP negotiations.</p><p></p><p>Thirty activists from seven countries [1] chained themselves at the entrances of a conference centre where the meeting was due to take place. Some activists climbed the front of the building to deploy a large banner depicting a ‘dead-end’ road sign that read: “TTIP: dead end trade deal”.</p><p></p><p>In the two-and-a-half years since TTIP talks began, negotiators have revealed very little about the negotiations, while continuing to threaten environmental, health and labour standards. There is no reason to believe that this round of talks will be any different.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace TTIP campaigner Susan Jehoram Cohen </strong>said: <em>“This trade deal is not about trade. It’s about the transfer of power from people to big business. What the Commission calls barriers to trade are in fact the safeguards that keep toxic pesticides out of our food or dangerous pollutants out of the air we breathe. The negotiators who were supposed to meet in secret today want to weaken these safeguards to maximise corporate profits, whatever the costs for society and the environment. It’s our responsibility to expose them and give a voice to the millions who oppose this trade deal.”</em></p><p></p><p>Negotiators from the European Commission and the US trade department were due to begin a five day-long round of talks on controversial plans to allow foreign investors to challenge rules and laws that protect people and nature, including on food, chemical pollution and energy. The scheme favoured by the Commission – known as <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/From-ISDS-to-ICS-A-leopard-cant-change-its-spots/">Investment Court System</a> (ICS) – would give a new quasi-court jurisdiction over democratic states to defend the interests of investors [2]. ICS would:</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; set up a privileged judicial system by allowing multinational corporations to bypass national courts;</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; allow ICS judges, who are not permanently assigned to the court, to also act as lawyers for corporate clients, raising serious conflict of interest concerns;</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; allow preferential treatment for foreign companies over national or local businesses;</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; flout democratic principles and the right for governments to adopt and enforce laws;</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; have a ‘chilling effect’ on public authorities by discouraging them from adopting or enforcing standards in the public interest, for fear of being challenged.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU legal counsel Andrea Carta</strong> added: <em>“The Commission’s plan for a special court to protect corporate profits is a threat for democracy and the rule of law. It discriminates against local businesses and threatens the right of governments to adopt laws that are in the public interest. Multinational corporations are not above the law. The same rules should apply to them as to everyone else.”</em></p><p></p><p>The aim of TTIP is to remove so-called barriers to trade between the EU and the US, and to protect foreign investments above all else. With tariffs on transatlantic trade already <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/united-states/">very low</a>, the focus of negotiations is on removing ‘non-tariff’ barriers from laws and regulations in almost every sector of the economy, from farming to textiles, and IT to banking. Concern about TTIP is growing and involves a wide spectrum of society, including NGOs, the <a href="http://epha.org/spip.php?article6456">health sector</a> and businesses [3]. <a href="https://stop-ttip.org">Millions</a> have signed petitions and taken to the streets in defence of EU standards on food safety, toxic chemicals, healthcare and workers’ rights.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; English, German, French, and Dutch spokespeople are available on the ground.</p><p></p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For a Q&amp;A on TTIP, click <a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2016/201602%20comprehensive%20QandA%20TTIP%20FINAL.pdf">here</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[1]</strong> The activists are from: Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Poland.</p><p></p><p><strong>[2]</strong> The <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2016/From-ISDS-to-ICS-A-leopard-cant-change-its-spots/">Investment Court System</a> also fails to address the European Parliament’s request to <em>“</em><a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+TA+P8-TA-2015-0252+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN"><em>replace the ISDS system</em></a><em> with a new system […] subject to democratic principles and scrutiny”</em>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[3]</strong> For Germany see <a href="http://www.euractiv.com/section/trade-society/interview/smes-want-a-ttip-rethink/">here</a>. For the UK see <a href="http://www.smeinsider.com/2015/02/12/the-secret-business-plan-that-could-spell-the-end-for-smes/">here</a>. For Austria see <a href="http://www.kmu-gegen-ttip.at/">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><strong>Contact</strong>: <strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong> - +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a><br /> <br /> Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to&nbsp;change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and&nbsp;to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments,&nbsp;the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Mon, 22 Feb 2016 06:42:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasim51b2f27a-0c8e-4e7d-b16e-ee9abd958468http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2016/Concerns-over-the-impacts-of-fish-aggregating-devices/Concerns over the impacts of fish aggregating devicesBrussels - On 26 January 2016, two Greenpeace representatives attended a meeting hosted by Ulrike Rodust, Member of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group in the European Parliament, about the use of fish aggregating devices in global tuna fisheries. The meeting was attended by S&D members, industry representatives and NGOs. While it was an informative meeting, Greenpeace disagrees with the misleading statement released by Europêche following the meeting. <p>Commenting on the statement,<strong>&nbsp;Justine Maillot, Greenpeace EU oceans policy adviser</strong>, said: <em>“Owners of large-scale European tuna fleets, represented by Europêche, seize any chance to greenwash their operations. But evidence highlighted by Greenpeace shows that the continued and unregulated use of fish aggregating devices significantly increases the impact of tuna fishing vessels on stocks. This puts global tuna stocks at risk and means only a few big corporations have access to the largest stocks. Europêche’s distorted recollection of discussions at the meeting also confirms that the industry is not yet ready to have a transparent conversation on the impacts of fish aggregating devices”.</em></p>Wed, 27 Jan 2016 15:50:00 Zoceanslbottoni2ba5be15-0363-4f88-bf8a-c6edb5ec4c0chttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2015/EU-ministers-allowed-continued-overfishing/EU ministers sell out on promise to end overfishingBrussels – Early on Wednesday morning, EU ministers reached a disappointing agreement on 2016 fishing quotas that endorses continued overfishing of stocks in the Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea [1].<p><strong></strong><strong>Commenting on the outcome of the Council, Justine Maillot, Greenpeace EU oceans policy adviser, said</strong>: <em>"Fisheries ministers failed to comply with EU rules, selling out to industry at the expense of stocks like cod and sole, and without providing justification for the continued overfishing. At the very least now, ministers must minimise the havoc fishing can cause by allocating quotas preferentially to fishermen using low-impact fishing methods</em>".</p><p></p><p>Although some fishing quotas were reduced in line with scientific advice (e.g. herring), ministers have set fishing limits well above the level scientists recommended for important stocks, like cod in the Irish and Celtic Seas and wider Atlantic, hake in waters off Spain and Portugal, and sole in the Bay of Biscay and the Eastern Channel.</p><p></p><p>Despite rules requiring the Council to justify decisions that lead to overfishing [2], it appears that EU ministers did not provide any evidence that recommended quota reductions would have seriously jeopardised the social and economic sustainability of the fishing fleets involved. &nbsp;</p><p></p><p>In the coming weeks, EU governments will distribute the national quota shares to fishermen. Despite the requirement to allocate quotas on the basis of environmental, social and economic criteria [3], all EU countries have thus far failed to assess and distribute quota based on the impacts of their fleet. This puts fishermen that use selective, low-impact fishing methods at a disadvantage.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p>[1] <a href="http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/agrifish/2015/12/st15276_en15_pdf/">http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/agrifish/2015/12/st15276_en15_pdf/</a></p><p></p><p>[2] Recital 7 and Article 2 of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation <a href="http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:354:0022:0061:EN:PDF">http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:354:0022:0061:EN:PDF</a></p><p></p><p>[3] Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation <a href="http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:354:0022:0061:EN:PDF">http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:354:0022:0061:EN:PDF</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Justine Maillot - </strong><strong>Greenpeace EU oceans policy adviser</strong>: +32 (0) 479 99 69 22,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:justine.maillot@greenpeace.org">justine.maillot@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU pressdesk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></strong></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Wed, 16 Dec 2015 03:23:00 Zoceanslcolasimbf31a038-c8bc-41fd-96ff-0db3ea618d5ahttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2015/Europes-fish-stocks-and-fishing-communities-face-further-decline-without-strict-fishing-quotas/Europe’s fish stocks and fishing communities face further decline without strict fishing quotasBrussels - With more than 40 per cent of Atlantic and North Sea fish stocks assessed as overfished, EU ministers meeting today and tomorrow must set strict quotas for 2016 to end overfishing. Ministers are expected to conclude their work late on Tuesday.<p><strong>Justine Maillot, Greenpeace EU oceans policy adviser, said: </strong><em>“We have come a long way from the dire situation of Atlantic and North Sea fish stocks a decade ago thanks to stricter fisheries management. But we are still far from achieving stock recovery. Ministers must continue to reduce fishing pressure to end overfishing for all stocks, and give preferential access to quotas to those that fish in the least damaging way." </em></p><p></p><p>Cod, whiting and sole are likely to be at the heart of the ministerial haggle over fish stocks. For 2016, scientists recommend [1] a suspension of fishing for:</p><p></p><ul><p></p><li>cod in the waters off the west of Scotland and in the Irish Sea;</li><p></p><li>herring in the waters off the west of Scotland and west of Ireland;</li><p></p><li>whiting in the waters off the west of Scotland; and</li><p></p><li>sole in the Irish Sea.</li><p></p></ul><p></p><p>They also recommend significant quota reductions for cod in the Eastern English Channel and Southern Celtic Seas, and for sole in the waters east of Denmark and Sweden. If, for any stock, the Council decides to set fishing quotas higher than the recommended level, it is required to justify its decision. Greenpeace criticised that it failed to do so in recent decisions on Baltic stocks.</p><p></p><p>The practice of discarding unwanted fish at sea is prohibited for many species as of January 2016. This, in turn, will lead to adjustments in the total allowable catches. Greenpeace calls on ministers to ensure that these adjustments do not increase the overall fishing pressure on stocks [2]. Once agreed at EU level, ministers should give preferential quota access to fishermen using selective, low-impact methods [3].</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Privileged treatment of low-impact fishermen is particularly important where severe restrictions are needed to recover heavily depleted stocks, as is the case for seabass. Measures should be tailored to those vessels with the heaviest impact on the stock, including those fishing on spawning grounds and/or using unselective gears. This will reduce the economic consequences of restrictions for those fishermen that have had minimal impact on the stock in the first place.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>[1] <a href="http://www.ices.dk/community/advisory-process/Pages/Latest-advice.aspx">http://www.ices.dk/community/advisory-process/Pages/Latest-advice.aspx</a></p><p></p><p>[2] The landing obligation will apply as of January 2016 to several fisheries in the Atlantic and the North Sea. Quotas will be adjusted to reflect catches and not – as previously done - landings for the species covered by the landing obligation. However, Greenpeace warns that these adjustments should take into account agreed exemptions to the landing obligation.</p><p></p><p>[3] Under Article 17 of the CFP Regulation, countries have the obligation to use environmental, social and economic criteria when they allocate fishing opportunities, including quotas, to fishermen. The objective is to minimise the negative impacts of fishing. <a href="http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:354:0022:0061:EN:PDF">http://eurlex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:354:0022:0061:EN:PDF</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts:</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Justine Maillot - </strong><strong>Greenpeace EU oceans policy adviser</strong>: +32 (0) 479 99 69 22, <a href="mailto:justine.maillot@greenpeace.org">justine.maillot@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU pressdesk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Mon, 14 Dec 2015 09:06:00 Zoceanslcolasim2dd30f9a-d6cb-4704-83de-d27c1b244c0dhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2015/TTIP-negotiators-contemplate-systematic-dismantling-of-environmental-standards-Greenpeace/TTIP negotiators contemplate systematic dismantling of environmental standards, GreenpeaceBrussels – Negotiators at EU-US trade talks ending in Miami later on Friday have discussed a system to weaken environmental standards that stand in the way of corporate interests, said Greenpeace. The talks are taking place against a backdrop of mounting protests against TTIP, with over three million people signing the largest ever EU petition [1] and hundreds of thousands taking to the streets in anti-TTIP marches last week [2].<p></p><p>While maintaining the veil of secrecy surrounding the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the EU and US are expected to claim progress in <em>“consolidating”</em> the negotiating text for a variety of issues, including so-called <strong>regulatory cooperation</strong> [3].</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace trade expert Jürgen Knirsch</strong> said: <em>“Once again, little has transpired about the real outcome of this latest round of trade talks. What we know is that both sides are dead set on increasing the privileges of big business. But corporations must also have obligations, not only rights. These obligations protect our environment, our health, and our labour rights. Stripping them away would take Europe back 100 years.”</em></p><p></p><p>Under current plans, a joint oversight body would remove barriers to trade by harmonising current and future EU and US regulations. Its primary concern would be to protect corporate interests, with little or no concern for environmental, health or social protection, said Greenpeace.</p><p></p><p>Another issue likely to have been discussed in Miami is the inclusion of a chapter on <strong>sustainable development</strong> [4]. The EU is keen for both parties to state their commitment to implement global environmental governance and multilateral agreements, but it is unclear what purpose this would serve, given that the US has not ratified a large number of multilateral environmental agreements, conventions and protocols that the EU is a party to.</p><p></p><p>While not formally on the agenda, a European Commission proposal to review plans for an investor-state dispute settlement (<strong>ISDS</strong>) is likely to have occupied the minds of negotiators. The EU’s chief negotiator, Ignacio Garcia Bercero, said the proposal would formally be shared with US negotiators before the end of this year.</p><p></p><p>While replacing private courts with a publicly appointed Investment Court System, the Commission’s proposal would still give foreign investors a privileged justice system to challenge EU standards on the environment, health or social rights, warned Greenpeace. Furthermore, without the reopening of foreign investor privileges under a separate EU-Canada trade agreement (known as CETA), the Commission’s ISDS proposal for TTIP could become irrelevant [5], said Greenpeace.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>[1]</strong> <a href="https://stop-ttip.org/">https://stop-ttip.org</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[2]</strong> <a href="https://www.trade4people.org/">https://www.trade4people.org</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[3]</strong> <a href="http://corporateeurope.org/international-trade/2015/04/regulatory-cooperation-ttip-united-deregulation">http://corporateeurope.org/international-trade/2015/04/regulatory-cooperation-ttip-united-deregulation</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>[4]</strong> A proposal was tabled by the EU for discussion with the US in the negotiating round of 19-23 May 2014 and made public on 7 January 2015. A new version of this paper was discussed with US negotiators in Miami this week, but the content is still unknown.</p><p></p><p><strong>[5]</strong> <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2015/Commission-TTIP-plan-retains-privileged-corporate-justice-system-Greenpeace/">http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2015/Commission-TTIP-plan-retains-privileged-corporate-justice-system-Greenpeace</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>: +32 (0)2 274 1911, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Jürgen Knirsch</strong> – Greenpeace trade expert: +49 171-8780 816, <a href="mailto:juergen.knirsch@greenpeace.de">juergen.knirsch@greenpeace.de</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news &amp; comment on EU affairs, follow: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Fri, 23 Oct 2015 09:22:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasim8fdc1e93-d2f9-46e9-a397-4f236bb00756http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2015/Ailing-Baltic-cod-caught-in-political-vortex1/Ailing Baltic cod caught in political vortexBrussels - EU fisheries ministers meet today to agree 2016 quotas for stocks in the Baltic Sea. With Baltic cod stocks in a worrying state, there is no room for complacency: ministers must set sustainable fishing limits for all stocks, not least cod, and allocate the lion’s share of the quotas to low-impact fishermen.<p>Last year, Baltic nations deferred action to stop overfishing Western Baltic cod to this year’s decision on 2016 quotas. This deadline now serves as a litmus test for the Council’s commitment to recovering fish populations. Fishing limits for Eastern cod stocks are even more contentious, as ministers from countries most concerned by this fishery – including Denmark, Germany and Poland - are likely to oppose catch limits recommended by scientists.</p><p></p><p><strong>Justine Maillot, Greenpeace EU oceans policy officer, said:</strong> "<em>European ministers have already missed their agreed goal to end overfishing for all – or at least most - stocks by 2015. An additional delay beyond 2016 would just keep feeding a vicious circle that depletes our seas and risks the future of fishing communities</em>. <em>It is time for Europe’s governments to adhere to the recommendations from scientists and meet their obligations to end overfishing once and for all.</em>"</p><p></p><p>For several years, ministers have artificially inflated the fishing limits for Eastern Baltic cod, with fishermen barely catching 60 per cent of the allowed quota because of poor stock conditions. For 2016, scientists have recommended cutting catches to no more than 29,220 tonnes [1], yet ministers are set to significantly exceed this limit (by 41 per cent).</p><p></p><p>Once quotas are set at EU level, European countries are required to minimise the negative impacts of fishing by allocating quotas to fishermen on the basis of environmental, social and economic criteria [2]. However most, if not all, EU countries have so far failed to apply clear criteria and are therefore failing to provide incentives to fishermen that use low-impact fishing methods [3].</p><p></p><p>Low-impact fishermen have been side-lined for decades, despite the fact that they represent around 50 per cent of the employment on board EU fishing vessels [4]. Baltic fishermen and those from other regions have recently formed alliances to advocate in favour of preferential quota access for low-impact fishermen, and demand an end to overfishing [5].</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>[1] International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advice on Easter cod: <a href="http://www.ices.dk/sites/pub/Publication%20Reports/Advice/2015/2015/cod-2532.pdf">http://www.ices.dk/sites/pub/Publication%20Reports/Advice/2015/2015/cod-2532.pdf</a></p><p></p><p>[2] Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy requires EU governments to use transparent and objective criteria, including those of an environmental, social and economic nature, when they allocate fishing opportunities to their fishermen.</p><p></p><p>[3] <a href="http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2015/EU-countries-fail-to-promote-low-impact-fishing/">http://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2015/EU-countries-fail-to-promote-low-impact-fishing/</a></p><p></p><p>[4] STECF, the 2015 Annual Economic Report on the EU fishing fleet: <a href="http://stecf.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents/43805/1034590/2015-07_STECF+15-07+-+AER+2015_JRC97371.pdf">http://stecf.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents/43805/1034590/2015-07_STECF+15-07+-+AER+2015_JRC97371.pdf</a></p><p></p><p>[5] <a href="http://lifeplatform.eu/the-low-impact-fishermen-of-the-baltic-region-join-their-forces-2/">http://lifeplatform.eu/the-low-impact-fishermen-of-the-baltic-region-join-their-forces-2/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>Justine Maillot – Greenpeace EU oceans policy officer:</strong> +32 (0)2 274 19 22, <a href="mailto:justine.maillot@greenpeace.org">justine.maillot@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk: </strong>+32 (0)2 274 19 11, <a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank"><strong>www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</strong></a></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Thu, 22 Oct 2015 08:00:00 Zoceanslcolasima61fbff2-4658-493d-b34e-4a46f0bedd13http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2015/Comments-on-the-Commission-Communication-on-the-state-of-stocks-and-fishing-opportunities-for-2016/Comments on the EC communication on the state of stocks and fishing opportunities for 2016The European Commission communication on the state of fish stocks in Europe is an annual opportunity to evaluate progress and deficiencies in the efforts to recover fish populations to a sustainable state.<a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2015/201509%20Greenpeace%20comments%20on%20the%20Commission%20Communication%20on%20fishing%20opportunities%20for%202016.pdf" target="_blank">201509 Greenpeace comments on the Commission Communication on fishing opportunities for 2016</a><br/><p>In this document, Greenpeace comments on the EC Communication and highlights some shortcomings.</p>Fri, 02 Oct 2015 14:23:00 Zoceanslcolasimc37739e1-13d5-45d0-ad58-46612146873bhttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2015/Taiwan-faces-EU-sanction-on-fisheries/Taiwan faces EU sanction on fisheriesTaipei - Three weeks after Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior busted Taiwanese tuna longliner Shuen De Ching No.888 (順得慶888號) fishing illegally in the Pacific, the European Commission has yellow carded Taiwan for failing to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The yellow carding highlights significant failings in Taiwan fisheries management, especially in the oversight of its distant water fleet.<p>Taiwan now has six months to bring its fisheries management and vessel control policies in line with international law, or it risks a red card blacklisting. A red card would mean an import ban on fisheries products to the EU, the world’s largest market for fisheries products. The resulting economic loss from such a ban could be as high as €13 million [1].</p><p></p><p>Taiwan exports more than half of its US$3.38 billion fisheries production, with more than 90% of tuna going to the US, Japan and other countries [2]. Even though Europe is not a key export market, Taiwan’s international reputation could be threatened if it does not urgently improve its fisheries management. Taiwan also risks other key markets following the EU sanction.</p><p></p><p>“<em>The yellow card highlights that Taiwan’s fisheries management does not comply with international requirements. Too often, Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency has let off or played down IUU cases. This cannot go on being tolerated</em>,” said Yen Ning, Greenpeace East Asia oceans campaigner.</p><p></p><p>Taiwan has the biggest tuna fleet in the Pacific, and with 1200 small boats, mainly fishing on the high seas, regulation, monitoring and surveillance are a massive challenge. The fishery is out of control, and as profit margins fall, the industry is increasingly reckless and ruthless, breaking the law and exploiting fishermen.</p><p></p><p>Taiwan has already faced international sanctions, with a 70% cut to its bigeye quota and a reduction of 160 large-scale longliner vessels in 2006, but there have been no lessons learned. The Taiwanese flagged vessel, Yu Fong 168, has been on the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission IUU list since 2009, simply because Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency has no clue where the vessel is.</p><p></p><p>Following their yellow carding, Cambodia, Guinea and Sri Lanka were red carded by the EU when they failed to show improvement, or increase cooperation, in the fight against IUU fishing. As a consequence, fisheries products caught by their vessels can no longer be imported to the EU.&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>South Korea, one of Taiwan’s key tuna fisheries competitors, was issued a yellow card by the EU in 2013, but after largely revising its distant water fisheries management and increasing penalties for illegal fishing, the card was withdrawn.</p><p></p><p>“Taiwan has a choice. Taiwan’s fisheries problem is too many boats and too little control. Taiwan must clean up its fisheries management, or risk the international disgrace and economic consequences of a red card,” said Yen Ning.</p><p></p><p>Greenpeace urges Taiwan to improve its monitoring and surveillance systems, ensure transparent prosecution of law-breakers, reduce its fishing capacity, and support international conservation measures.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>[1] European Union’s Trade in goods with Taiwan (2014): <a href="http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/september/tradoc_113452.pdf" target="_blank">http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/september/tradoc_113452.pdf[</a></p><p></p><p>[2] Taiwan Fisheries Agency (2014) 2013 Annual Report. Taiwan Fisheries Agency, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan.</p><p></p><p>Since 2010, the European Commission can identify as so-called ‘non-cooperative countries’ countries that do not comply with their international obligations to fight IUU fishing. The concerned countries first receive a formal warning (through a yellow card) and if they do not improve their fisheries management and vessel control policies in line with international law, they can be blacklisted (through a red card), which entails numerous sanctions, including import ban.</p><p></p><p>The European Commission press release: <a title="http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-5736_en.htm" href="http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-5736_en.htm" target="_blank">http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-5736_en.htm</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Media contact: </strong></p><p></p><p>Renee Chou, Communications Team Leader at Greenpeace East Asia, <a title="renee.chou@greenpeace.org" href="mailto:renee.chou@greenpeace.org">renee.chou@greenpeace.org,</a> +886-936-333-199&nbsp;<br /> Greenpeace International Press Desk,&nbsp;<a title="pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org" href="mailto:pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org">pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org</a>, +31(0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours).</p>Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:01:00 Zoceanslcolasimfa1585b1-94da-4d9a-a353-2d04cb8d60dchttp://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/Publications/2015/Maximum-sustainable-yield-MSY-legal-briefing/Maximum sustainable yield (MSY) legal briefingThis briefing analyses the provisions in Article 2(2) of the CFP Regulation (1380/2013) and explains the scientific rationale for imposing an obligation to limit exploitation rates below the FMSY reference point.<a href="http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/Global/eu-unit/reports-briefings/2015/20150929_MSY%20legal%20%20briefing_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">20150929_MSY legal briefing_FINAL</a><br/><p>It also assess the broader legal framework linked to Article 2(2) and summarises the institutions’ obligation to facilitate the achievement of the CFP objectives.</p>Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:55:00 Zoceanslcolasimc251a529-4c86-4c45-9081-3c6eaff8d0e6http://p3-raw.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/en/News/2015/Commission-TTIP-plan-retains-privileged-corporate-justice-system-Greenpeace/Commission TTIP plan retains privileged corporate justice systemBrussels – The European Commission’s modified plan for an Investment Court System under an EU-US trade agreement (known as TTIP) continues to give foreign investors a privileged justice system to challenge EU standards on the environment, health or social rights, warned Greenpeace. As long as the Commission is not prepared to reopen foreign investor privileges in the separate EU-Canada trade agreement (known as CETA), the changes announced today would be ineffective, said Greenpeace.<p></p><p>EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström recently said that she was not prepared to modify the CETA agreement [1], which contains a different mechanism to settle investment disputes. Corporations with a Canadian subsidiary could resort to private courts under CETA [2]. The Commission recognises in today’s plan that what it describes as&nbsp;<em>“treaty shopping”</em>&nbsp;is likely to be a problem, but fails to clarify how its provisions to prevent it would actually work.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU legal strategist Andrea Carta</strong>&nbsp;said:&nbsp;<em>“The EU-Canada agreement could work as a back door allowing multinationals to circumvent any improvements against private corporate justice in TTIP.”</em></p><p></p><p>In its plan, the Commission proposes the creation of a permanent investment court, as well as an appellate body, to rule on trade disputes between corporations and governments. These are improvements, but details are scant on how the courts would ensure independence from corporate interests and how they would guarantee transparency, said Greenpeace. Fundamentally, these provisions would still allow foreign investors to circumvent existing EU and national court systems.</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace trade expert Jürgen Knirsch</strong>&nbsp;said:&nbsp;<em>“The Commission continues to back a two-speed justice system – a privileged justice for multinational corporations to protect their private interests, and a basic justice for citizens and small and medium enterprises. Environmental, health and consumer protection remain at risk.”</em></p><p></p><p>Over 2.75 million people have already signed a European petition against TTIP [3], and 97 percent of respondents to a Commission public consultation opposed the inclusion of private investment courts [4].</p><p></p><p>EU-US negotiations on private investment courts (under a mechanism known as ISDS) have been suspended since 2014. Commissioner Malmström will meet US trade representative Michael Froman in Washington on 22 September. She is expected to attempt to restart negotiations on ISDS at the eleventh round of TTIP talks in Miami on 19-23 October.</p><p></p><p>Greenpeace calls on the Commission to permanently end negotiations on any form of ISDS. Even without an ISDS mechanism, TTIP and CETA are a serious threat for environmental protection on both sides of the Atlantic, warned Greenpeace.</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>[1]</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=E-2015-008188&amp;language=EN" target="_blank">http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getAllAnswers.do?reference=E-2015-008188&amp;language=EN</a></p><p></p><p><strong>[2]</strong>&nbsp;No date has been set for the ratification of CETA by the European Parliament, the Council and the Canadian government since it was signed on 26 September 2014.</p><p></p><p><strong>[3]</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://stop-ttip.org/" target="_blank">https://stop-ttip.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>[4]</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-industry/commission-swamped-150000-replies-ttip-consultation-303681" target="_blank">http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-industry/commission-swamped-150000-replies-ttip-consultation-303681</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2015/january/tradoc_153044.pdf" target="_blank">http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2015/january/tradoc_153044.pdf</a>.</p><p></p><p><strong>Contacts</strong>:</p><p></p><p><strong>Greenpeace EU press desk</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="tel:%2B32%20%280%292%20274%201911" target="_blank">+32 (0)2 274 1911</a>,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org" target="_blank">pressdesk.eu@greenpeace.org</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Jürgen Knirsch</strong>&nbsp;– Greenpeace trade expert: +49 171-8780 816,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:juergen.knirsch@greenpeace.de" target="_blank">juergen.knirsch@greenpeace.de</a></p><p></p><p>For breaking news and comment on EU affairs, follow:&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/GreenpeaceEU</a></strong></p><p></p><p>Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace does not accept donations from governments, the EU, businesses or political parties.</p>Wed, 16 Sep 2015 11:19:00 Zoceansagriculturenuclearclimate changeforeststoxicsother issueslcolasim