Europeans: petition against liberalisation of water

Astrid

Maybe you've observed the discussion about the planned liberalisation of water in the EU? If you believe that water is a human right and should not be subjected to ‘internal market rules’ and want to offer some support, there's an ECI you can sign here:

http://www.right2water.eu/

It would be great if you spread the word.

13 years ago

Off Topic

6 replies

Latest reply was from ManidipaM

ManidipaM

Veteran

Wait... what?! How is it even up for debate that water and sanitation are basic human rights?

ETA: Okay, went and read up about it. Beginning to get the picture. Not a reassuring one, to me --- I thought only developing countries had that much of an issue with access to clean and potable water. Must have been living in la-la land here, thinking rights like this one were already largely assured across the EU.

13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, I agree. I think water and sanitation should remain a public good and not pass into private hands. To concerns like Nestlé - not reassuring.

I had not heard about this petition before I watched a political satire show where the comedian showed the internet adress in opposition to the rules of the public tv-station on screen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?.....e=youtu.be

I have another one, if you understand German:
http://www.zdf.de/ZDFmediathek...../Ey-Europa

Best moment is when he compares the reasoning of Michele Bagnier, who wants to liberalise the water in the EU, to Rambo.

"Everything remains the same!" - "Then why do we need the directives?" - "Because we need rules!"

"What's that?" - "That's blue light!" - "And what does it do?" - "It glows blue."

13 years ago

deb

Veteran

I am trying to understand this. Is water rights and ownership held by the government?

13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

In Germany the water supply is mostly regulated at regional level by local authorities, companies, water supply associations etc.... But there are very few that work on a national level. The important thing here is that water is not merchandise, but is classified as the most important aliment and there are certain rights and standards connected to that. The EU wants to implement directives that make merchandise out of it. Water supply will then be part of a market throughout the EU and local supply will be contracted out. While fair competition is generally a good thing, it's not the same with water. Most examples here in the EU show that liberalisation of water supply results in lower standards and less quality, but higher prices for the people. It's only the big concerns that would profit.

13 years ago

Laurinda

Veteran

I hope this is not too political, but in the US Enron - the energy market manipulators - had as their next goal the privatization of water resources. People can survive without electricity, but not without water. Keep up the good fight.

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Astrid, I understand barely enough German o make out what's being said, but that was an interesting link. Still grinning at Rambo reference

I had the same thought as Laurinda in comparison to my own country. There's been a push of late to privatise power and transport services, which has been a doubtful enough endeavour in what is a welfare state per our Constitution; but that alone makes me think the same happening to water and sanitation services would be quite the disaster.

12 years ago

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