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European Union Suspended the Ratification of ACTA
European Union is changing the stand toward ACTA. What will be their next decision?
Posted: Feb 2012
European union suspended the ratification of Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement ( ACTA ), reports BBC. European Commission decided to request for expertise from European Court of Justice. The purpose of this expertise should be investigation about effect of ACTA on freedom of internet.
European Commission representative Karel De Gucht stated that they requested the opinion of court about compliance of ACTA with principles of freedom in EU. He stated that discussion about this issue has to take place, with regard to facts and legal basis. Ratification should not take place without positive finding by the European Court of Justice.
So far, the ACTA was signed by 22 EU countries. Previously, the ACTA were signed by US, Canada and Japan.
After initial wave of approval of ACTA, some EU representatives changed their opinion. Slovenian ambassador stated that she made mistake when she signed the ACTA and she is now deeply sorry.
Donald Tusk, Polish Prime Minister, stated that the ACTA seriously suppressing the freedom of speech and freedom on internet.
It seems that Germany and Denmark will not support ACTA. ACTA will be further discussed in European parliament in July.
