Português
15th December, at 21h30
@ Lisboa Vadia (Rua de S. Mamede 33A, Lisbon)
The goal of this Cine Café is to activate discussion, consciousness, knowledge and spread information about the topic of this month is ISDS (Investor-State Dispute Settlement), that comes with TTIP.
The Documentary: “TTIP Might is Right” (2015)
event
Synopsis
The proposed free trade agreement between the US and Europe (TTIP) causes concern about the European right to self-determination. The most controversial part of TTIP is ISDS: investor-state dispute settlement. ISDS will make it possible for companies to sue governments that damage their investments. But is this arbitrage system where a few investment lawyers decide over billions of taxpayers money a protection of our business interests, or a threat to our democracy?
What is TTIP?
TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership), like other trade agreements, is being negotiated largely in secret. It aims to “harmonise” EU and U.S. standards across an array of industries. It challenges laws that protect the environment, rein in corporate interests, protect food safety, promote renewable energy and curb risky practices like fracking.
TTIP can limit the capacity of public authorities to decide on how to provide public services like water. What’s worse, TTIP will lock in changes by granting rights to companies that undermine local laws, and will force us to either spend precious public money fighting big business or change our laws to comply with its desires — maybe both. A special Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) panel will have the power to tell a country that a company’s profits trump public health or environmental protection.