Latest news with #Efta
The Star
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia-European Free Trade Association partnership agreement could negatively impact many sectors, says CAP
PETALING JAYA: The proposed Malaysia-European Free Trade Association (Efta) Economic Partnership Agreement (Meepa) could have far-reaching consequences for public health, access to seeds, and farmers' rights, says the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP). Health policy advisor Dr Lim Chee Han stated that the leaked intellectual property (IP) annexe of the deal contains 'TRIPS-plus' provisions—rules that exceed the requirements under the World Trade Organisation's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). These provisions, he explained, could lead to extended patent monopolies, restrict the government's ability to introduce affordable generic medicines, and increase the cost of essential drugs. 'Agreeing to TRIPS-plus measures ties the hands of our government. It restricts our ability to respond to public health needs and will drive up the cost of medicines, affecting access for patients who need life-saving treatment,' he said during the press conference on Friday (June 13). Lim also warned that the agreement would impact the country's food security and farmers' livelihoods. 'The provisions would undermine existing protections in our national laws that allow farmers to save, reuse, exchange, and sell their seeds. This threatens our local farming practices and long-term food sovereignty,' he said. He emphasised that Malaysia, as a net importer of intellectual property, stands to lose more than it gains. 'Efta countries, including Switzerland and Norway, represent a small market compared to Malaysia. Yet we are being asked to give up a lot, especially when the total population of Efta is less than half of ours,' he added. Lim urged the government not to rush into signing the deal and called for transparency in the negotiation process. 'The full text of Meepa must be released for public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny. We must retain our right to regulate in the public interest, especially in areas as vital as health and agriculture,' he said. Additionally, the group has submitted the memorandum to the Prime Minister's Department, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Why Scotland joining Efta or EEA is infinitely preferable to the EU
Since then, there has been an understandable desire expressed by many to rejoin the EU after independence, though how that is delivered remains to be seen. However, the debate thus far has not fully addressed other options: notably membership of Efta/the EEA, at least in the medium term. Efta is the European Free Trade Association. It was formed in 1960 as kind of an economic waiting room prior to EU accession. The UK was a member of Efta before 1973 when it passed legislation to become a member of the EU. Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein never left the waiting room, and currently comprise Efta. READ MORE: These key economic truths show how independent Scotland and Wales can succeed The EEA is the European Economic Area. This was a treaty signed in 1992 which enabled all the EU states and the Efta members (excluding Switzerland) to be part of the single market. This requires all members of the EEA to respect the four freedoms of movement – workers, goods, services, and capital. Switzerland has a series of bilateral treaties with the EU under which it must abide by these four freedoms, but it is much more complicated than EEA membership. I have attended two biennial seminars of the Efta/EEA council in Brussels, and was struck by the positive engagement between all EEA members, Efta and the EU. There is this slogan against Efta membership that Scotland would be 'rule takers, not rule makers'. This ignores the fact that within the EEA treaty, all EEA states must be closely consulted on any change in EU law pertaining to the EEA agreement. On many occasions, Efta/EEA members engaged in the process early and had a positive formative influence on the law. READ MORE: Assa Samake-Roman: What if we are wrong about reasons for rise in far-right support? While Efta/EEA members do not have a vote on laws, I asked Efta members if they had ever had EU laws forced on them against their will. They couldn't think of any such occasions. Many smaller EU states feel they have no influence at all. Upon a 'democratic event' affirming majority support for independence, Scotland could apply to join Efta. While I cannot speak on their behalf, I can safely say there is great support among Efta officials for Scottish membership. The three Efta/EEA members would then lobby to get an independent Scotland into the EEA. Again, I cannot speak on their behalf, but when I last spoke with Efta officials they saw no impediment to Scotland joining Efta and the EEA within a few short months. Compare this to the EU accession process. This could easily take 10 years. EU law (the acquis) comprises 35 chapters, all of which would need to be reflected in Scots law, and Scotland would have to demonstrate that it has the institutions in place to apply EU law. It doesn't, because the 'Scottish' civil service is merely an appendage of the UK state. File photo of a Yes for EU rally at the Scottish parliamentAll 27 EU member states have veto power at any stage in the process. Think Spain and Catalonia. At the recent SSRG conference in Dunfermline, we held a panel on Efta/EEA membership. I was in touch with @YesforEU, and asked if any known prominent advocate for Scotland in the EU would be willing to speak. We got zero responses. There seems to be a contrived prevailing assumption that, because Scots voted to remain in the EU in 2016, rejoining the EU after independence would be easy and preferable to Efta membership. I was in touch with a well-known purportedly pro-indy corporate lobbyist, who after changing his mind, assured me that the EU membership 'polled' better than Efta/EEA, therefore independence should be automatically linked with EU membership. However, that assumes Scots are well-informed about the pros and cons of membership of both, and can make an informed decision. This debate has yet to be held. This ignores the many independence supporters who, despite the Scottish vote to remain in 2016, take a dim view of EU membership. As an American with UK citizenship through my Scottish father, I have been able to carve out a career as a university teacher in France. When I came to France in 1995, I felt a genuine optimism towards the economic objectives of the EU, and have benefited from it. My view of the EU has changed drastically since then. The musician Frank Zappa famously remarked that '[US] Politics is the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex'. Regrettably, the same can increasingly be said of the EU and Nato, which are becoming indistinguishable. At the same time, the EU is increasingly authoritarian. Whether you agree with them or not, look at how Viktor Orban in Hungary and Robert Fico in Slovakia have been threatened because of their opposition to the EU approach to Russia and Ukraine. It also managed to get Calin Georgescu eliminated in Romania as a presidential candidate because he dissented from Ursula Von der Leyen's orthodoxy. Kaja Kallas is the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security PolicyAnd don't get me going on the incompetence and stupidity of Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign minister. She is openly Russophobic, speaks about defeating and carving up Russia, and laments that if the EU cannot defeat Russia, how can it defeat China? Does Scotland want to join THAT EU? What happens when that bile is directed at Scotland if it dissents from EU-manufactured consent? Maybe, over time, the EU leadership will regain some sanity, get back to its original economic purpose and stop violating its members' sovereignty and cultures. Until then, Scotland should join Efta/the EEA, recoup and exercise its popular sovereignty, and let the EU sort itself out. Whether it does or not, Scotland will be much better off as an Efta/EEA member, and will be warmly welcomed. Later, there is no obstacle to joining the EU, if that is what Scots democratically decide. Dr Mark McNaught is the founder of the Scottish Sovereignty Research Group and Maître de Conférences at the University of Rennes 2, France
The National
21-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Ian Murray is far too easily pleased with pathetic UK/EU trade deal
The Viceroy is easily pleased. The deal is pathetic. He says it could add £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040. That's just 0.00035% of the UK's £2.56 trillion GDP, while Brexit has slashed 5%. This won't help Scotland. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation slammed the deal. It gives EU fishing vessels access to UK waters until 2038. Kate Forbes complained Scotland wasn't consulted – fisheries are devolved – but power devolved is power retained. READ MORE: UK inflation climbs to highest level in 15 months after 'Awful April' Murray claims the deal 'opens the door for the UK to participate in a €150 billion loans-for-arms fund … with huge potential benefits for the Scottish defence industry.' Wrong. New defence contracts will funnel money to private corporations based in the US and Europe. Share prices are soaring at the prospect. And there's not much bang for the buck. Every pound spent on defence generates less than £1 of economic activity. Since Starmer says he won't return the UK to the EU, why wouldn't he consider re-joining the European Free Trade Association (Efta), established to promote economic cooperation and free trade? The UK was a founding member before leaving in 1973 to join the European Economic Community that became the EU. Efta membership provides full access to the EU's internal market plus: • It excludes agricultural and fisheries policies, has no customs union, common trade, foreign or security policy, harmonised taxation or monetary union. • All members take part in Schengen (freedom of movement) through bilateral agreements. • It negotiates free trade agreements and has 33 with 44 countries and territories outside the EU, and members can make their own deals with countries whereas EU members can't negotiate with non-EU countries. • Members avoid the EU political integration and cumbersome decision-making process. Efta may not allow the UK back in, but could view an independent Scotland more favourably. Scotland would need to leave the UK for either Efta or EU membership. If the Scottish administration was serious about helping Scotland, it would be furiously working on an exit plan. Leah Gunn Barrett Edinburgh I WRITE as a former British Sea Fisheries Officer in what was then the Scottish Office. I served in all ranks from Second Officer to Marine Superintendent and have maintained my interest since I retired. The fishing industry in a UK context is a minor consideration; in a Scottish context, it is vital. To the English government – and I use the term English advisedly, for it is elected by the English and acts for England, which forms 85% of our regrettably United Kingdom – Scotland has few votes and thus can be safely ignored. Scotland is vital to the UK economy because its five million people live on something like 30% of this island's natural resources. One of these resources is fish. Something around 75% of British fishing is Scottish. READ MORE: Kate Forbes hits back at claim she called EU deal 'wonderful' at London event In this current EU agreement, Scottish fishing was given away like a pound of tea, as it was in the original British accession to the common market. We Scots have good reason to be very angry and to get out from under the clammy embrace of Westminster. I am fully aware that an independent Scotland would have negotiated access to our waters for foreign vessels, but it would not be some Downing Street minister who would be doing the negotiation. It could be that our fishing may be a reason for not joining the EU but associating with it in a different way as some other countries do, but that is a matter for economists, not for me. Captain R Mill Irving Gifford, East Lothian A RATHER interesting point made by the PM Sir Keir Starmer when he announced the trade deal with the EU: 'Britain is back on the world stage'! Mr Starmer, Scotland never left the world stage, Scotland was dragged out of it! Scotland fully recognised the need to remain in the single market and the customs union, yet we were dragged away from our largest and closest trading partners. READ MORE: SNP MP calls out Keir Starmer on weapon exports to Israeli government I very much welcome a closer relationship with the EU, as it will benefit our export businesses. So, what will this new trade deal with the EU bring to Scotland? Well, Scotland and her government at Holyrood had no prior notice because Scotland was not invited to the EU trade deal negotiations, despite the PM on taking office promising to 'reset devolution'. A clear example once again from the Labour government at Westminster that Scotland is an afterthought and deserves no voice. The Scottish fishing industry is furious with the EU trade deal, because the EU will now have unlimited access to Scottish waters for the next 12 years. Furious is an understatement. The PM and his Labour government in the last ten days have shown their total disrespect for our devolved nation and government and her people. Closing the door to much-needed immigration without any negotiations with our government in Holyrood and now EU trade deals again with no input from Scotland. Scotland's public and private sector deserve a voice, we deserve to be heard. We simply cannot continue not being seen or heard, while having to endure the damaging impact. Catriona C Clark Falkirk HAVE any other readers noticed that M&S are advertising on their Scottish milk that the milk comes from animals assured by the RSPCA? Given that the RSPCA only operates in England and Wales, and the Scottish SPCA operate in Scotland, does this mean that M&S's Scottish milk is coming from England and Wales? Or does it mean that M&S are unaware that the RSPCA does not operate in Scotland? Either way it is a very poor piece of marketing that shows a lack of understanding of Scotland! Peter Clark via email
Spectator
19-05-2025
- Business
- Spectator
Starmer's EU ‘reset' risks pleasing no one
Keir Starmer has just wrapped up his press conference with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. The Prime Minister sought to bang the drum for his EU reset, citing his three 'driving principles': more jobs, lower costs and enhanced border control. Starmer boasted that his deal ensures 'unprecedented access to the EU market, the best of any country outside of the EU or Efta', while ensuring Britain remains outside the single market and customs union, with no return to freedom of movement. The text of today's agreement is still being scrutinised – yet the risk is it ends up pleasing neither Remainers nor Brexiteers. Both the UK and EU have agreed to 'work towards' a youth mobility scheme, but there is no detail on a cap or timeframe. Britons will be allowed to use e-gates in the EU but the language is caveated, suggesting they are only to be used 'where appropriate'.
