ESU calls for the exclusion of education from the scope of TiSA!

The European Parliament is preparing the draft recommendation to the European Commission on the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA). ESU together with ETUCE has prepared amendments to the draft recommendations in order to exclude education out of the scope of TiSA. The proposed amendments aims to carve out education and other public services from the scope of TiSA, as well as ensure the quality assurance and transparency from the foreign providers.

This international trade treaty is currently being negotiated by 23 members of the World Trade Organisation, including the EU. It aims at opening up markets and improving rules in areas such as licensing, financial services, telecoms, e-commerce, maritime transport, and professionals moving abroad temporarily to provide services.

There has been general concern amongst various education stakeholders on European and Global level on the impact TiSA will have on education, both in terms of access and quality. One of the main concerns of ESU that has been expressed in public and in two resolutions adopted by the members of ESU in the Board Meeting 67 is the threat for public responsibility coming alongside the free trade agreements, including TiSA.

We are encouraging students, NGOs and society to approach MEPs and voice their thoughts on education and other areas TiSA will influence.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact ESU EC Member, Liva Vikmane, directly via liva@esu-online.org or +371 22479705