“Today the European Parliament has voted to reject the international trade agreement ACTA. I recognise the choice the European Parliament has made.
I also welcome the debate which ACTA has created among Europe’s citizens on the importance of stopping the trade of illegal, counterfeit goods and protecting our Intellectual Property for Europe’s economy and jobs. I believe this debate will continue – especially over certain concerns raised on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the digital environment.
Today’s rejection does not change the fact that the European Commission has committed itself to seeking answers to the questions raised by the European public. As I have stated before, the European Commission will continue to seek the legal opinion of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on whether this agreement harms any of the fundamental rights of European citizens – including freedom of speech. European citizens have raised these concerns and now they have the right to receive answers. We must respect that right.
It’s clear that the question of protecting Intellectual Property does need to be addressed on a global scale – for business, the creative industries whether in Europe or our partner countries. With the rejection of ACTA, the need to protect the backbone of Europe’s economy across the globe: our innovation, our creativity, our ideas – our intellectual property – does not disappear.
The European Commission will take on-board the opinion of the ECJ and the issues raised across the European political spectrum. We will then consult with our international partners on how to move forward on this issue. As we look to boost growth and jobs at this challenging time for Europe’s economy, we must work with the European Parliament, Member States, our international partners as well as stakeholders on the protection of Intellectual Property at international level and within the framework of international law.” Here to read more.
