European Trade Union Committee for Education

ETUCE welcomes the progress achieved for the protection of public services in TTIP as the language of the INTA report remained unchanged, which calls for the exclusion of all current and future public services.  Furthermore, the recommendations detail that it must be ensured that "national and local authorities retain the full right to introduce, adopt, maintain or repeal any measures with regard to the commissioning, organisation, funding and provision of public services,...,this exclusion should apply irrespective of how the services are provided and funded". In addition, yesterday's vote adopted an amendment to protect with a general clause all education services that receive public funding to any degree or state support in any form.

Martin Rømer, ETUCE European Director stated: "The EP's recommendations on TTIP regarding public services makes clear that the EP wants a clear protection of public services including education in TTIP and this demand needs to be seriously taken on board by the European Commission as the TTIP negotiators meet in Brussels next week for the 10th round of negotiation."

The European Parliament's recommendations on TTIP were adopted with 436 in favour, 241 against and 32 abstentions on 8 July 2015. The recommendations included, however, also setbacks as an ambiguous amendment on the contentious ISDS (Investor-State Dispute Settlement) was adopted.

Martin Rømer, ETUCE European Director said: "It is regrettable that the European Parliament today voted to support a reformed ISDS provision that is a deeply flawed mechanism and which gives multinationals special legal privileges that are not granted to citizens. The ETUCE will continue to fight against any kind of ISDS provision in TTIP and other trade agreements".