[Chapter-delegates] Belgian MEP De Gucht will force ACTA ...

[Rudi Vansnick]

From an article in Belgian ICT press it looks like the Belgian MEP Karel De Gucht will try to force the positive voting of the ACTA. We, ISOC Belgium, will do all we can to convince at least all other Belgian MEP's to go against his decision. It would be good if we all keep our MEP's informed that the action leaded by Karel De Gucht should be stopped. He is proceeding with the action into the Court of Justice, even if the European Parliament would go for a NO to ACTA.

We'll keep our eyes on this action !

His statement in the European Parliament :

> Honourable Members, in case there is any doubt, I am here to argue that you postpone your decision on ACTA.
> If you decide for a negative vote before the European Court rules, let me tell you that the Commission will nonetheless continue to pursue the current procedure before the Court, as we are entitled to do. A negative vote will not stop the proceedings before the Court of Justice.
> 
> If the Court questions the conformity of the agreement with the Treaties we will assess at that stage how this can be addressed.
> 
> However, I expect that the Court will instead find ACTA to be fully in conformity with the Treaties.
> 
> In that case, we will be prepared to do two things:
> 
> First, I would consider proposing some clarifications to ACTA. For example on enforcement in the digital environment. We could look at this in the light of the discussions you will have had on legislative proposals which the European Commission is set to put before the Parliament and the Council. Or for example, we could seek to clarify further the meaning of 'commercial scale'.
> 
> I am also open to a discussion on what sharing information means in relation to the challenges one faces with respect to the protection of intellectual property. It is indeed a new challenge for the classical approach of IPR. But does this discussion not rather have its place in the debate on the substantive law, not in ACTA, which is solely about enforcement?
> 
> These are important reasons to pause for reflection as I believe we will all make a better decision on ACTA if we have a clearer view of the future direction of the European intellectual property system.
> 
> Second, once we will have identified and discussed these possible clarifications, I would intend to make a second request for consent to the European Parliament. Whether the Parliament will consider it under this legislature or the subsequent one, will be for you to decide.
> 
> Honourable Members,
> 
> As Europeans I believe that we all share profound respect for individual freedom.
> 
> But I also know that freedom needs a framework. In a diverse society no one is free if freedoms are exercised absolutely.
> 
> It is a fragile balance. We should all tread carefully.
> 
> I hope that you will bear that in mind that as you vote. 
> 
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/12/477&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=fr

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