Far worse are reports showing the fraudulent way in which certain producers obtain their subsidies. “It is appalling that producers which demonstratively violate European law should become the beneficiaries of this massive campaign”, states Verrips. “Not only have subsidy rules been violated, but labour standards are also being abused as well as the use of the “Made in EU”-label.”
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“The European Commission has documentation about these activities. FAIR is impelled to highlight these points, as Member States should take them into consideration when discussing these anti-dumping measures.”
FAIR is now convinced that it is no coincidence that this information has persistently been ignored throughout the investigation, and that the entire investigation works in favour of a small, but lobby-savvy branch of industry.
In a complaint sent to the European Ombudsman on 31 March, 2006, an EU footwear operator has complained about the Commission not respecting fundamental procedural rights in the current investigation. Although the Ombudsman set 31 July as the deadline for the Commission to give its views, the complainant has still not been notified of any Commission reaction.
“This is unacceptable, particularly given the fact that the investigation will close in October at the latest and that definitive measures could have been adopted”, declares Verrips.
Footwear Association of Importers and Retail chains
marketing@alchempro.com
