(23 March 2015) The Barosso European Commission known for its adament Pro-Business positions issued a Draft Directive to protect business secrets end November 2013. Ever since the Directive was issued it has been the target of criticism and similar protective clauses have been removed in France. EPSU signed on to a statement of a broad range of environmental, health, food safety groups, freedom of speech and trade unions concerned that the directive would limit freedom of expression and is not strong enough on whistle blower protection.
How important such protection is was demonstrated by the case of Antoine Deltour. He leaked the information of #Luxleaks from PwC which has subsequently led to the establishment of a committee of inquiry in the European Parliament, more exchange of information between governments on tax rulings, investigations of the European Commission and a European package of meassures on transparency. Despite the fact that this demonstrates that he acted in the public interest, he is facing prosecution. EPSU wants these charges to be dropped.
With the statement the signing organisations ask the European Parliament to adopt a limited definition of what trade secrets are and to prioritise freedom of information. The Directive is also important in connection with the negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement between the EU and US. A joint coalition of US and EU businessgroup hope to incorporate the idea of trade secrets in TTIP, protecting businesses, expecting yet more corporate welfare from Member States and the EU. The JURI committee of the EP will vote on its position 26 March.
For the statement
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