European Confederation of Independent Trade Unions round table: TiSA – what impact on public services?
Tuesday 3 February, 13:00-14:30 (cocktail lunch from 12:00) | Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée 1-5, 1040 Bruxelles (Metro Schuman)
Heather Roy, President of Social Platform, will be on the panel.
The impact of future international trade agreements such as TTIP, CETA and TiSA are causing uncertainty and fear among European citizens. Is consumer, health and environmental protection at risk? Are social and labour standards at stake? Are Services of General Interest under threat? Unclear consequences and intentions and the opaque nature of negotiations have meant that anything but trust has been fostered in the EU on trade.
In addition to the bilateral agreements, the currently negotiated multilateral Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) may put Services of General Interest in jeopardy, driving them to further major liberalisation and privatisation. While they still benefit from a special status and protection under national and EU laws, Services of General Interest may still be at a particular risk under this agreement. Citizens are worried about the quality and future of their public services.
Moderater: Daniela VINCENTI, Editor-in-chief EurActiv.com
Key note speaker: Viviane REDING MEP, Rapporteur on TiSA
Further panelists: Klaus HEEGER, Secretary General CESI; Ignacio IRUARRIZAGA, European Commission, Chief negotiator TiSA; Heather ROY, President Social Platform
