Joint press release
Event in European Parliament in Strasbourg on 13th June, 2023: Local Fair Trade – From good practices to public policies
On 13th June, the World Fair Trade Organisation – Europe (WFTO-Europe) and the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) co-organised a meeting in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, hosted by the Members of the EP, Marlene Mortler (EPP) and Claude Gruffat (Greens/EFA). Representatives of Fair Trade businesses joined to share views from their reality and exchange on the role of Fair Trade enterprises and organisations in the EU’s just, green, and local transition. The two focal points of discussion were how Fair Trade enterprises in Europe contribute to the EU’s sustainable development objectives and how those good business practices can be upscaled/mainstreamed through EU public policies?
“It is important that even at the European level we have a common goal to protect Fair Trade and its values”, Claude Gruffat makes clear. At the same time Marlene Mortler agrees and is convinced that Fair Trade does play a role in a more sustainable development in Europe: “I am convinced by Fair Trade. I do not want multinationals playing with farmers. This has not been a good development in Europe.” However, despite the focus on local Fair Trade, Marlene Mortler reminded the participants
that “food security means we need to have a global discussion, not just European. All farmers worldwide need fair conditions.”
In the end participants from the Fair Trade movement launched their policy recommendations paper for promotion of Local Fair Trade. The paper includes concrete policy demands on how EU policy makers can ensure a more sustainable agri-food system in Europe – one that works for people and the planet. You can find the paper here.
The Fair Trade movement would once again like to thank the hosting MEPs Marlene Mortler and Claude Gruffat for their commitment to Fair Trade, for a fruitful discussion and for their engagement in making this event possible.
Contact:
Fabian Richter, Policy & Advocacy Officer, WFTO-Europe
projects@wfto-europe.org
Paola Plaku, Policy & Project Officer
plaku@fairtrade-advocacy.org