Radio Mundo Real

The European Union (EU) made clear this Friday in Geneva that it is ready to block the advance of the negotiations at the United Nations for a binding treaty on transnational corporations and human rights violations.

The representative of the EEAS argued that there were procedural and technical problems and therefore was not sure if they could support the continuation of the process. This stands in stark contrast with its willingness to move forward with a Multilateral Investment Court which would give more rights for investors, with no obligations imposed on them.

At the request of social movements and organizations, activist Anne Van Schaik of Friends of the Earth Europe, responded to what EEAS said. She stated that its attitude and explanations, in a meeting with representatives of peoples’ movements from the five continents and people affected by transnational corporations, many of which are European, was “unacceptable” and that it would be publicly denounced. The EU should be championing this treaty, not blocking it.