b'8. The politicisationof tradeThe EUs trade agreements with thirdDe Gucht in making politicisationof trade a countries are not just about trade. Theypriority item for the Commission. This contain binding political arrangements thatapproach makes it more difficult to sign free force sovereign countries to change theirtrade agreements when the EU has a political laws in order to trade with the EU.agenda.Karel De Gucht, former EU TradeSpeaking during a European Parliament Commissioner, stated at his Europeanplenary session on 19 May 2015, Marietje Parliament hearing on 12 January 2010:Schaake, an ALDE MEP and Member of the When part of a wider set of measures, [freeCommittee on International Trade (INTA), trade] is a potent lever promoting Europeansaid, Mr President, it is essential that trade values abroad, like sustainable developmentpolicies are a key element in broader EU and human rights.foreign policy goals. The charming Ms. Schaake does not hold the most important In prepared remarks delivered during herposition in the European structures, but hearing at the European Parliament on 29these words are a good summary of the September 2014, EU Trade Commissionerpoliticisationthat permeates EU trade policy.Cecilia Malmstrm said that trade is a powerful foreign policy tool. It must supportCountries including Sri Lanka, Colombia and Europes wider international goals, promotingPeru have all experienced heavy politicisation our values of peace, freedom and democracyof trade in their commercial relations with the throughout the world. I will apply these fourEU. This can force these and other countries principles across the board.to barter their sovereignty for trade privileges. From these comments, it is evident that Malmstrm has gone even further than 103'