The EU Parliament wants the EU to be more forceful on the level playing field conditions, stating that the “level of quota and duty free access to the world’s largest single market fully corresponds to the extent of regulatory convergence and the commitments taken with respect to observing a level playing field for open and fair competition with a view to dynamic alignment.”
The mandate proposed by the Commission sets out that the level playing field is different for state-aid, requiring dynamic alignment, while for environment and employment it mainly relies on non-regression (i.e. not lowering standards which were in place before 1 January 2021).
Here are the main asks the EU Parliament put forward:
- strong requirements on the level playing field, which is considered a general principle for the whole agreement and for the economic part, as well as an indicator for the ambition of the future partnership;
- dynamic alignment is also mentioned as a possible next step of the level playing field, being also a determinant factor for the comprehensiveness of the deal;
- alignment on the chemicals safety legislation (REACH) and ensuring cooperation with ECHA;
- legislation developed during the transition period should apply to the UK. The main legislative package with potential important consequences is the European Green Deal; and
- application of the precautionary principle.
The resolution was approved by 543 votes, with 39 votes against and 69 abstentions.
EU Parliament, resolution on a new partnership with the UK (provisional edition)