(28 October 2014) The criticism of the recent trade deals negotiated between the EU and Canada and the US is also echoed by municipalities.
While not being against trade as such, the German organisations representing the municipalities have serious concerns about the proposed agreement with Canada (CETA), the negotiations with the US (TTIP) and on the global trade in services agreement (TISA) and have jointly pointed out the risks for public services. Market access obligations should not apply to the public services provided by municipalities as that could undermine local self government. Public services should be taken out of the agreement.
The German municipalities mention as examples water and waste water services and underline that the trade agreements could make the exclusion of these services from the EU Concessions Directive nul and void. They also point out that the agreements should not weaken social, environmental and consumer protection. Remunicipalisation of public services that had been contracted out or privatised should be possible. The German municipalities have also concerns about the transparency of the negotiations and demand representation in the relevant EU Advisory and expert groups.
For the position of the umbrella organisations of the German municipalities Deutscher Städtetag, Deutscher Landkreistag, Deutscher Städte- und Gemeindebund as well as the Verband kommunaler Unternehmen (VKU) The group of large municipalities represented in Eurocities have adopted a similar and equally critical position.
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