European Election Program
Program of the Alternative für Deutschland
for Election
of
the 9th European Parliament 2019
3.4 Foreign Trade Policy
3.4 Foreign Trade Policy
The EU should manage a foreign economic
policy that is aligned with the interests of the member states. To that before
all pertains that the EU commits itself in the future to free trade and open
markets. Protectionist efforts are to be repelled. The EU’s import
restrictions, particularly in the non-tariff field, are to be dismantled.
Export subventions are to be progressively eliminated so as to avoid
distortions of competition. Since not all branches uniformly profit from free
trade and globalization, European or national equalization measures should, if
necessary, be taken up.
Trade agreements are preferably to be
concluded within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), since they
then provide the greatest advantages to all participants. Our standards for
consumer and environmental protection and in the social area are thereby
maintained. All agreements must be negotiated in transparent proceedings with
the inclusion of business representatives and be ratified by the national
parliaments. Investment agreements which protect the rights of European firms
should be managed by the EU. The AfD thereby rejects the transfer of national
sovereignty to private courts of arbitration. In so far as EU sanctions against
third parties [Drittstaaten] have been undertaken, the sanctions are to be
regularly tested for practicality and effectiveness. Conversely, the EU should
take proportionate counter-measures against the unjustified trade limitations
of third parties and secure the protection of intellectual property and the
equal treatment of businesses.
The selling-off of technology firms to third
parties is to be prevented by appropriate trade policy and other measures.
Value-added chains and their technological know-how must be maintained. Foreign
trade, security and development policy must be mutually adjusted. In
cooperation with member states and international partners, the EU must
guarantee the freedom of maritime and trade routes and thereby secure access to
raw material, energy and sales markets.
[Translated by Todd Martin]
[Translated by Todd Martin]
