EC to carry dialogue with civil society on proposed India-EU FTA

The European Fee will maintain dialogue with its civil society representatives on latest developments within the EU’s commerce relations with India, notably the state of play of negotiations for the proposed India-EU Free Commerce Settlement (FTA), in a digital assembly later this month.

“The assembly affords a possibility for an change of views with civil society organisations (CSOs) on the EU’s commerce coverage with India and its future,” in line with the EC.

The assembly, scheduled on Could 22, is vital because the EU has been actively taking inputs from its civil society for its FTAs, particularly for the `commerce and sustainability’ chapters that features labour and setting. Civil society within the EU has additionally been lively in pursuing points associated to IPRs and entry to drugs in addition to well being.

“The EU is eager to conclude its FTA with India quickly, probably by the year-end. Session with the civil society will assist the bloc in firming up its affords and requests in a number of areas,” a supply monitoring the matter advised businessline.

Milestones in negotiations

The seventh spherical of the India-EU negotiations have been accomplished in February 2024 and the eight rounds will happen in Brussels quickly. “Within the interim, the 2 sides are assembly inter-sessionally by means of digital modes,” the supply stated.

The proposed India-EU FTA has over 20 chapters. Other than items and companies, some areas coated embrace digital commerce, authorities procurement, IP, State-Owned Enterprises, SMEs, vitality and uncooked supplies and good regulatory practices. It additionally features a chapter on commerce and sustainable improvement which includes setting, labour, gender equality.

CSOs, together with French-origin MSF or Medical doctors With out Borders, have been taking part in a major function in spreading consciousness amongst folks in regards to the influence of a number of the commerce pacts being negotiated on the bilateral or multilateral ranges.

Final yr, the Centre for Monetary Accountability, with help from the Rosa Luxembourg Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung, had organised a civil society dialogue in India on the India-EU FTA. It was additionally attended by a member of the European Parliament.

Overcoming challenges

CSOs collaborating within the dialogue gave their inputs in quite a few areas together with digital commerce, authorities procurement, well being sector and IPRs.

The FTA talks between India and the EU, first launched in 2007, reached a stalemate in 2013 over points comparable to market entry for particular items, particularly cars and wines & spirits. 

The EU additionally wished commitments in opening up of monetary companies together with banking and insurance coverage and likewise retail commerce, that India was not very comfy with. The talks resumed in 2022 and have been progressing steadily then.