Dear Members of the European Parliament,
Protect Public Health from Unhealthy Trade
Support a #CETA4Health
The European Public Health Alliance calls on you to vote against the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and request a better deal for health and consumers when it is presented for ratification during the plenary session of the European Parliament on Wednesday 15 February 2017.
The booklet “The Unhealthy Side Effects of CETA” explains the ways in which CETA has the potential to undermine good health for consumers and patients. By opening the door for businesses to challenge public health laws, limiting policy choices for Services of General Interest (social, healthcare, education, water), promoting tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food and ignoring the global health threat of antimicrobial resistance, CETA contradicts key public health aims, including the Sustainable Development Goals. It does not help the fight against the growing burden of chronic diseases and obesity and will not contribute to making medicines more affordable nor improve access for patients.
EPHA firmly believes that international trade deals can be beneficial to public health – but negotiations must have public interest at their heart and set the right conditions to ensure protection and continuous improvement of public health.
A better deal for health is still possible, but only if you take this opportunity to reject the agreement in its current form. We call on you to set a strong precedent for international trade agreements that give patients, consumers and families a good deal by voting against CETA next Wednesday.
Nina Renshaw
Secretary General
European Public Health Alliance
Nina Renshaw
Secretary General