Policymakers miss chance to improve law that threatens people and planet

Today, MEPs in the European Parliament voted on the final form of the controversial Trade Secrets Directive.

The proposed law threatens people and the planet by letting companies keep information on the health and environmental impact of their operations secret, and sue anyone who reveals it. It was moulded by corporations like Michelin and lobbyists Business Europe, among others, with almost no input from organisations working to protect public health.

ClientEarth senior lawyer Anaïs Berthier said: "Today's vote is disappointing as MEPs failed to make the changes we need to ensure strong protection for whistleblowers and journalists. Despite a reference to the Aarhus Regulation on access to environmental information, the proposed law is likely to encourage industry malpractice through keeping more information confidential. It is a threat to our right to know what's in the products we use every day, and must be changed to protect people and the environment."

The draft law will now pass to a full debate in the European Parliament, before going to the Council of Ministers for review.

Read our blog for more information: http://www.blog.cev6.clientearth.org/last-chance-make-sure-trade-secrets-directive-protects-people-planet/