MEPs are calling on EU governments to seek their approval before adopting an international deal on financial services

Date: 30/05/1996

The World Trade Organisation accord to open up world financial markets to competition was agreed last year by the EU after lengthy and difficult negotiations. But it must be formally adopted by ministers before becoming law. While the European Parliament's external economic relations committee recognised the merits of the accord in a vote this week, it asked that the agreement only go ahead if approved by the full assembly.