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
Remarks by Ambassador Michael Froman at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy: The United States, Germany and TTIP
At a meeting with senior German government officials in Berlin, United States Trade Representative Michael Froman made some important remarks regarding the opportunity that TTIP would bring small to medium-sized enterprises. He also noted that the Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism should be adopted in a TTIP agreement as a way to set a gold standard for the rest of the world, despite the fact that US and EU laws largely do not discriminate against foreign investors. See a transcript of his entire speech here.
Speech by Commissioner Karel De Gucht at the German Economy Ministry Conference on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, Berlin, 5 May 2014
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht made it clear in his remarks at the Conference that both parties should aim high in reaching an agreement that makes significant progress on removing barriers to trade in all three pillars of market access: eliminating existing tariffs, opening up services, and leveling the playing field in public procurement. He also emphasized that TTIP would not infringe upon the two sides to regulate differently where they disagree. See his full remarks here.
Catherine Ashton Appoints New Head of EU Delegation to the United States
On Monday, Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, announced that David O’Sullivan would be replacing João Vale de Almeida as the new Head of the European Union’s Delegation to the United States of America, effective September 1, 2014. See the full press release here.
News
Obama, Merkel Still Struggle Over Spying But Agree On Trade
Last Friday, at a joint news conference in the White House Rose Garden, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Obama both reiterated their commitment to concluding an agreement on TTIP swiftly. Chancellor Merkel’s reiteration of her commitment to concluding TTIP comes despite Germany’s ongoing problems with US surveillance policies in the wake of last summer’s NSA scandal. (Reuters)
Germany, US Seek To Dispel Worries Over Planned Free Trade Pact
German Deputy Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel reiterated Germany’s commitment to concluding a high standard and ambitious TTIP agreement with the United States. He emphasized that TTIP would set new standards for the globalized economy, without compromising on high regulatory standards in either Europe or the US. He gave the specific example of Germany’s auto industry which could save upwards of 1 billion euros annually through lower or eliminated transatlantic tariffs. (Deutsche Welle)
Schulz On TTIP: There Will Be No Secret Negotiations
Current President of the European Parliament Martin Shultz, who is tipped as the Socialist and Democrats’ candidates for the European Commission presidency, said that an agreement on TTIP would be “useful” and said that he would make TTIP a priority, if he were to be elected as next term’s European Commission president. He also underlined that one of his top goals in trade policy would be to improve transparency by making all contents of the negotiations public. (EurActiv)
Recent Analysis
With TTIP Set High Standards
In anticipation of the Fifth Round of TTIP negotiations due to start at the end of May, German public news outlet ARD interviewed US Trade Representative Michael Froman on a number of controversial issues that are being debated in TTIP including the political impact of electoral cycles in the United States and Europe, growing public discontent with free trade agreements, and investor protection issues, among others. Ambassador Froman gave a robust defense of the TTIP agreement and sought to reassure viewers that standards would not be lowered in either market.
Full interview transcript available here (in German but translates into English using Google Translate), and a full video of the interview is available in German here.
Global Trade Benefits Hit Home
On Monday, the US Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue released a written statement explaining the benefits of TTIP to both consumers and companies. For example, Access to cheaper imports increases the purchasing power of consumers in the US by about $10,000 each year. For manufacturers, access to cheaper inputs and raw materials makes US companies more competitive abroad. (US Chamber)
Upcoming Events
Stakeholder Meeting On Investment Protection In TTIP – May 13, Brussels, Belgium – More Information
Transatlantic Privacy Update: US vs. EU Privacy Regulations: A Comparison – May 14, 2014, New York, NY – More Information
oriGIn meeting in Washington, DC on “The TTIP: Expectations of GI producers from the two sides of the Atlantic” – May 20, Washington, DC – More Information
Fifth Round of TTIP Negotiations – Washington DC – May 19-23, 2014, Washington DC
Global Trade: A Trade System for the 21st Century – June 9-10, 2014, Chatham House, London – More information