EU Citizens Flood President with Urgent Letters Demanding Trade Deal Cancellation with Kenya
EU residents have been composing letters of protest addressed to EU President Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen, urging the economic alliance to annul a trade agreement with Kenya.
The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) disclosed this information on Tuesday, March 12, as the Parliament of the region sought to persuade the citizens to put an end to the protests.
In the letters they’ve written, the citizens are urging the European Parliament to reject the economic deals negotiated between the European Commission and Kenya in December 2023.
On February 29, the European Parliament gave its approval to the agreement, clearing the path for its execution.
The public has additionally called for the annulment of a comparable deal inked between the European Union and the Chilean government around the same time.
“These citizens are concerned that the agreements would be detrimental to local populations and environmental protection,” EPRS noted.
EPRS, the entity that offers extensive research and analytical assistance to Members of the European Parliament, its committees, and the Parliament itself, observed that there is a public call for a reassessment of the European Union’s Trade Policies.
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The EU clarified that corresponding with the President wouldn’t yield significant results, as it is the European Commission that negotiates agreements based on the directives from the EU Council.
After the completion of negotiations, the Council accepts the agreement, and the Parliament’s involvement is restricted to either approving or rejecting the agreement.
“The Parliament has no power to amend the agreements and the President of the European Parliament cannot influence members’ votes,” EPRS told the disgruntled citizens.
Supporting the deal with Kenya, the EU highlighted its potential to enhance two-way trade, promote greater investment, foster sustainable economic growth, and facilitate a shift towards environmentally friendly practices by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The worries of EU citizens were alleviated by assuring them that the agreement would guarantee protection for the environment and climate, along with upholding workers’ rights and promoting gender equality.
“This agreement will further open the European market to Kenyan products and encourage European investment in Kenya,” the protestors were told.
Moreover, they were informed that the accord served as a foundation for enhancing the European Union’s ties with Africa.
EU Citizens Flood President with Urgent Letters Demanding Trade Deal Cancellation with Kenya
