TTIP Action aggregates the latest news and best analysis from across the United States and European Union on the ongoing negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
Speeches & Official Announcements
Vice President Biden’s Meeting with Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta | White House
On Tuesday, Vice President Biden met with Prime Minister Ponta to discuss the importance of expanding trade between the two countries. Both leaders agreed that TTIP has the potential to increase the already substantial amount of jobs supported by US-EU trade and investment.
News
Economy and Justice Top of Barroso’s Final Year Agenda | EurActiv
The European Commission adopted its work program for 2014, setting the list of key priorities. Domestically, the Commission is focused on growth and jobs, paying special attention to youth unemployment. Globally, the Commission intends to boost European competitiveness by supporting research and innovation, completing the single market, and boosting strategic economic sectors.
EU Lawmakers Seek to Block US Financial Spying | Reuters
Citing concerns over the recent NSA scandal, the European Parliament called for the suspension of US access to the SWIFT database. The US denies any wrongdoing, but the European Parliament believes the US has abused its privileged access. Data privacy will undoubtedly be addressed in TTIP to rebuild transatlantic confidence.
Comments by British Finance Minister George Osborne | Global Post
At a Thomson Reuters Newsmaker event in London this week, British Finance Minister George Osborne discussed the importance of including financial services in TTIP, stating it is in everyone’s interest to have high standards of regulation.
Germany Summons U.S. Ambassador to Explain Merkel Phone Tapping | Bloomberg
While German Chancellor Angela Merkle has expressed outrage over reported findings that US intelligence may have been monitoring Merkel’s private mobile phone for years, German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the US will continue to be a friend of Germany. Wolfgang Bosbach, a senior lawmaker for Merkel’s party, noted the importance to push ahead with EU-US trade talks despite this breach in trust.
US, EU Business Groups Press for Trade Secret Protections | The Hill
US and European business groups are calling for stronger global protections and enforcement for trade secrets in TTIP. Due to the critical importance of innovative capabilities in all sectors of the transatlantic economy, businesses are hoping TTIP negotiators will use a coordinated approach to develop a gold standard for trade secrets.
Recent Analysis
Time for Germany to Step Up to Its Responsibilities | Financial Times
Numerous issues await input from the yet-to-be-formed German coalition government. Of primary importance for Germany, as an export nation reliant on globalization, is the promotion of an international order that enables global trade and communication to flourish.
How will the New World Order Be Shaped? | Turkish Weekly
As the composition of the new world order develops, there are clear signs that America is searching for such a new strategy with the pursuit of bilateral agreements such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership in economics and the “Coalition of the Willing” in security.
Bankers Call for Internationally Coordinated Sector Regulation | Out-Law
The British Bankers Association encourages TTIP negotiators to use the agreement to encourage assessment of regulatory divergence on end users, such as banks and their clients, as opposed to strict equivalence of the different regimes.
Uncle Sam and Malta’s Global Business Horizons | Times of Malta
Half a century ago, Malta’s Prime Minister visited the US in hopes of building economic ties between the new nation and the world’s largest economy. Foreign direct investment from the US has grown in the past five years. With TTIP, Malta officials see the chance to “widen trade horizions with the Land of Opportunity.”
Upcoming Events
Thurday November 14, 2013 – In Paris: The American Chamber of Commerce in France will host – The TTIP and Its Impact on Global Governance.
Next Round of TTIP Negotiations in Washington – Currently scheduled for December 2013
Employment Opportunities
Senior Trade Policy Advisor, British Embassy Washington
Assistant Director, Transatlantic Relations, Atlantic Council