European Parliament
David Martin  (S&D ),
in writing
. −
I welcome the Commission’s proposal to entrust the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market with the tasks of the observatory, with a view to improved implementation of the responsibilities assigned to it. In the context of a continuing growth of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods – reducing the incentive for EU enterprises to innovate, and often resulting in job reductions – it seems appropriate to strengthen a coordinated policy in this regard. Moreover, counterfeiting of certain categories of product (such as medicines, toys, automotive components, household equipment, etc.) threatens human health and leads to a considerable decline in consumer protection. Therefore I consider it justified to inform the public and raise awareness about the possible dangers and consequences of the exponential increase in counterfeiting and piracy observed in recent years.

