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Simões, Fernando Dias --- "The potential role of sustainability impact assessment in the EU-China BIT negotiations" [2018] ELECD 1619; in Chaisse, Julien (ed), "China-European Union Investment Relationships" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2018) 69

Book Title: China-European Union Investment Relationships

Editor(s): Chaisse, Julien

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN: 9781788971898

Section: Chapter 5

Section Title: The potential role of sustainability impact assessment in the EU-China BIT negotiations

Author(s): Simões, Fernando Dias

Number of pages: 24

Abstract/Description:

Impact assessment studies are a well-established instrument to inform trade and investment negotiators and steer their decision-making processes. The European Union’s trade Sustainability Impact Assessment programme offers an opportunity for stakeholders in both the EU and its partner countries to share their views with policymakers. This chapter examines the level of stakeholder involvement in the Sustainable Impact Assessment study currently underway in support of the negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Treaty between the EU and China. It argues that several factors seemingly reduce the opportunity for some stakeholders to share their views with negotiators, raising doubts about their potential contribution to the policymaking process. Public consultation mechanisms have been criticised by some sectors of European Civil Society. The uniqueness of China’s civil society presents further challenges since the degree of stakeholder involvement and independence from government cannot be compared to the European context.