Minister Verhagen in a letter defended after criticism of the Acta treaty. According to Verhagen requires Acta no adjustment to the Dutch and EU regulations. Also, there would be no question of bills for three strikes.
In a letter to parliament responding, minister of Economic Affairs Verhagen to strong criticism from Michael Geist, a professor at the university of Ottawa, on the content of the controversial Acta treaty, the negotiation process and the possible consequences. First of all, mr. Verhagen, to the according to Geist to closed negotiations during the drafting of Acta. The minister says that the government are in favour of openness and transparency on Acta, and that the process “more transparent should have been’, but that during international negotiations, confidentiality is customary, in order to achieve a result.
In addition, it would mandate for the European delegation are clear; the content of the treaty should be in accordance with existing European legislation. Verhagen further states that the final provisions in the Acta treaty text does not clash with European or Dutch law, therefore any law adapted or have to be entered to meet the international obligations.
The minister believes that the public debate created around Acta arguments are mentioned that are not part of the antipiraterijverdrag. Thus, Verhagen that the three strikes rules, where internet users can be concluded, not in Acta are included. Also would the custom no travelers check as “infringing goods of a non-commercial character, and not on a large scale in the act’.
Verhagen is also found in the statement of Geist that the Acta treaty has little value because countries with emerging economies not participating in the treaty. To Acta, 37 countries participate, which together account for more than half of the world’s trade would represent. Also, Verhagen that there are no indications that the Acta rules imposed will be to non-participating countries by, for example, to include in trade agreements.
The minister concludes his letter with the statement that Acta as regards content, a proportional character has, and there are also possibilities to damages and to demand, if a complaint of a rights holder are not correct. Further wait Verhagen, together with the European Parliament, the judgment of the European Court of Justice. This court will, on request of the European Commission to discuss the possible consequences if the treaty is adopted.