LOC17:57
14:57 GMT
BRUSSELS, April 4 (KUNA) -- The European Union Wednesday announced that it
has taken the next step in the process of referring the Anti-Counterfeiting
Trade Agreement (ACTA) to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by agreeing on
the legal submission to be put before the ECJ.
"I am very pleased that we are now one step closer to ensuring clarity on
ACTA," said EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht in a statement.
Last February, the EU suspended the ratification of ACTA and referred the
matter to the ECJ following widespread protests by Europeans who said that it
violates their rights.
Critics of ACTA maintain that it would restrict free speech and access to
information.
"Most of the criticism against ACTA, expressed by people across Europe,
focused on the potential harm it could have on our fundamental rights. So, a
referral will allow for Europe's top court to independently clarify the
legality of this agreement," noted De Gucht.
De Gucht said he hopes that the European Parliament will respect the
European Court of Justice and await its opinion before determining its own
position on ACTA.
The European Parliament is to vote on the issue at its June session. (end)
nk.sd
KUNA 041757 Apr 12NNNN