The package is now being intensively debated in the European Parliament. On 26 January, in a high profile move, French Socialist, Kader Arif, the Member of the European Parliament (MEP) responsible for steering ACTA through the EU body, resigned in protest at the lack of transparency and consultation. Mr. Arif had previously discussed the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement at the last PES Foreign Policy Network of 9th November 2011. In recent weeks, 22 European Member States have become signatories to this Agreement, with little public debate.
PES President Sergei Stanishev noted that “both in conduct and content the ACTA proposal has serious weaknesses. It could allow for a disastrous situation where legislation severely restricts the digital environment. Forcing Internet Service Providers to police their users is an outcome that would be unacceptable. The Party of European Socialists does not support this type of extreme censorship.” He added that “The PES regrets that there was a lack of transparency in the process, with the only source of information being the leaked documents of the negotiations and that the Right-Wing majority in the European Parliament have effectively shut down the opportunity for MEPs to contribute constructively”.
Many concerns have been raised about the content of the Agreement. For example Internet services providers would be compelled to control email correspondence looking for copyright infringement. The package raises therefore concerns on fundamental rights, Internet governance and international agreements. It could also limit generic medicine use and have a harmful effect access to medicines.
There has been a massive surge in grass-root opposition to the Agreement. Social media site mobilisation and demonstrations on the streets, as in Poland, have taken place over the last 10 days.
Praising Kader Arif, PES Secretary General Philip Cordery stated that “Kader Arif has taken a brave stand on ACTA. He has shown that transparency and consultation are essential elements of the ACTA debate. Intellectual property rights must be clear and fair, but any infringement to fundamental rights must be opposed”.
The PES will continue to raise awareness of the issue among its PES activists and Member Parties.
