How can the EU support the growing interest of consumers in Fair Trade and help to protect them against misleading claims?

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has praised Fair Trade for raising the consumers’ awareness about the impact of their purchasing decisions. He welcomed the European Parliament resolution on Fair Trade and committed to respond to the call to develop a coherent policy framework in this area.

In response to the success of Fair Trade a number of ethical and sustainable initiatives have been established over the last years and many companies have been developing their own “sustainable company codes”. The European Parliament has recognized the value of these initiatives as long as they contribute to raising social and environmental standards. But the EP, consumer associations and some European Member States have also identified the need to protect consumers from misleading “fair trade” claims and to clarify terms and concepts in this area.

What can public policy do to support the trend towards sustainable consumption and Fair Trade? How can private and public actors work best together to achieve the EU’s commitments for sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals?

Speakers:
- Gareth Steel, European Commission – DG Trade
- Anja Osterhaus, Fair Trade Advocacy Office, Brussels

Chair:
Patricia Jiménez, Global Dialogue Program Director at Heinrich Böll Foundation, EU Regional Office, Brussels