Former EU trade commissioner slammed over 'aggressive' tactics

Outgoing European trade commissioner Peter Mandelson has come under fierce criticism from NGOs over his four-year term in office.

Mandelson, newly-appointed UK business secretary, was also taken to task by a senior member of his own political party over his relations with parliament.

MEP Gary Titley, leader of the UK delegation of Socialist deputies, said Mandelson “could have done more” in working with the assembly on trade issues.

He said, “He could have been more proactive with parliament and just simply spent more time talking with MEPs.”

The most stinging criticism, however, has come from NGOs, including the international agency Oxfam.

Luis Morago, head of Oxfam’s Brussels office, said that Mandelson had allowed “short term interests” to prevail in trade negotiations.

He said,“Mandelson, unfortunately, failed to ensure that the EU put development ahead of self-interest in its trading relations with its former colonies.

“The negotiation of the economic partnership agreements - many of which have still not been signed - has been marked by controversy and discord.

“ACP countries have consistently objected to both the manner in which the EU has negotiated and to the content of what has been proposed by the commission. The EC has sought many concessions from ACP countries likely to undermine their prospects for economic development.”

He welcomed the nomination of Catherine Ashton as Mandelson’s replacement as trade commissioner saying that, if appointed, she “needs to take a fresh look at both the EPAs and WTO negotiations.”

Ashton faces parliament's international trade committee hearing on Monday in Strasbourg. MEPs are expected to rubberstamp her nomination.

Oxfam's comments were echoed by Brussels-based Alexander Polack, of Action Aid International, who said Mandelson had “failed to rally a consensus” of European civil society during his four years in office.

“His aggressive tactics did not work well and he did not possess the skills needed at a European level. This is a view shared by many in the civil society community.”

“Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say that, in some quarters, he was actually hated.”

Action Aid is a leading NGO whose ‘ambassador’ is Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson.

Both were speaking at an awards ceremony in parliament on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Mandelson has been stripped of anti-corruption responsibilities in his new job, according to UK press reports.

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