Alternative Trade Mandate for the EU

Brussels, 26 November 2013 – Today, a European alliance of over 50 civil society organisations [1] will launch the Alternative Trade Mandate [2], a proposal to make EU trade and investment policy work for people and the planet, not just the profit interests of a few. The launch is taking place as EU trade ministers and the European Commission are leaving for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations in Bali next week. Read the Press release.

The ATM belief is that Europe´s trade has to be fundamentally changed. Our alternative respects human rights, and is democratically controlled by parliamentarians and the public. It is ecological, respects gender equality and creates justice between countries, social classes and ethnicities. We propose a trade policy that increases economic, social and environmental well-being globally. On 26 and 27 November, shortly before the next ministerial of the World Trade Organisation in Bali, we want to present this alternative to the world.

We are planning:

• an inspiring assembly with activists from Europe and the global South, to present and discuss our alternative and our campaign towards the European elections in 2014
• am energising and powerful protest action to bring our message to the media, the wider public and decision-makers
• a jolly evening concert with food, drinks and dancing to the tunes of our vision

Please :

• register (use the ATM-launch-registration-form, to be sent to alternativetrademandate(at)gmail.com)
• share the invitation with your partners and colleagues who may be willing to join

And don´t hesitate to contact alternativetrademandate(at)gmail.com if you need further information on the event and its practical aspects !

See logistical information – maps, potential accomodation? – here : Logistical Information for ATM launch event 26-27nov2013

After a long and ispiring process a draft version of the Alternative Trade Mandate document has been finalized. We hope you will find it strong and ispiring. You can read it in english, in French and in Spanish. It is important to receive your feedbacks, comments and proposals to improve it. To join the online consultation click here and send your feedback before October 25th to alternativetrademandate@gmail.com.

On April 10 th nd 11 th 2013, in Brussels, Presentation of our Alternative Trade Mandate: a document challenging the neo-liberal consensus and proposing a positive, progressive alternative to Europe?s trade and investment policy. Over the last two years ATM members have been meeting, discussing, debating and writing together to create the content for a radical alternative vision for the way that the EU institutions develop trade and investment policy and for the objectives that are pursued in global negotiations: The Alternative Trade Mandate. See invitation here.

No more business as usual: activists set out alternative trade agenda – Alternative Trade Mandate Alliance Launch, 26-27 June, Brussels. Fuelled by short-term interest and over-inflated financial markets, the current neo-liberal trade model is generating increasing inequality across Europe and the developing world. As outrage builds about the parlous state of our economies, a critical mass of European activists are pushing for a radical alternative to the EU trade agenda (…)

Two inspiring days of ideas and action with the Alternative Trade Mandate Alliance. From Tuesday, June 26th (start 1 pm) until Wednesday, June 27th (5pm) at 11.11.11, Vlasfabriekstraat 11, 1060 Brussels.

• Program of the meeting and registration form
• Logistical info

The Alternative Trade Mandate Alliance is initiating a campaign for a European Trade Policy that benefits people and the planet, not just big business. Our belief is that the Europe trades has to be fundamentally changed.

• What do we do? Who we are? Who can Join? (Flyer A4; Flyer A5)
• Our structure and principles

Two years ago, a number of trade activists and campaigners from Europe and the Global South initiated a process of working together “Towards an alternative trade mandate for the EU”. After broad consultation and exchanges, this process has now reached a new stage in our struggle.

Invitation to a kick-off meeting: Towards an alternative trade mandate for the EU – Building a strong coalition for change in Europe’s trade and investment policy – Misereor office, Mozartstr. 9, 52064 Aachen, Germany – Friday, 28 January 2011, 9am – 5pm