The House of Representatives wants the Netherlands not to sign the anti-piracy treaty ACTA as long as it is unclear whether the treaty conflicts with fundamental rights and other European treaties.
A motion from GroenLinks, co-signed by D66, PvdA and SP, also received support in the House from the PVV, the Party for the Animals and the ChristianUnion. As a result, the cabinet will for the time being not put its signature to the trade agreement.
The PVV’s support is particularly notable in this respect. The PVV had previously often voiced criticism of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, but allowed Minister Verhagen late last year to escape a political impasse, clearing the way for the cabinet to sign ACTA.
Other countries aren’t, either
Earlier, the German government decided not to sign the treaty for the time being. Other governments in the European Union have signed, but are not yet submitting the proposal to their parliaments. That applies to Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.
Ratification by parliament is necessary to make the treaty valid. The Americans, for example, have signed ACTA, but Congress has not ratified the treaty. As a result, the Americans do not have to comply with the provisions in ACTA and do not risk sanctions.
The road ahead for ACTA is still long
Thus, the road still looks long for ACTA. The European Parliament must also vote on it. That will happen in June. Should all countries within the European Union ultimately go along, the European Parliament has the final say. ACTA could still be voted down in Parliament.
Opposition to ACTA is growing by the day. Last weekend, thousands of people took to the streets in Europe to protest against what they see as a controversial treaty.