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).
News
Trade Deal to Boost Chemicals Industry | TCE Today
Following last week’s second round of TTIP negotiations, chemical industry leaders met in London to discuss the potential impact of the agreement on their sector. By removing export tariffs between the EU and US, the UK’s chemical industry, alone, could save up to £450 million a year.
European Union Ambassador: US and Europe Trade Agreement Would Boost Economy | Badger Herald
At a University of Wisconsin event on Tuesday, European Union Ambassador to the US João Vale de Almeida explained how TTIP helped address student concerns about their employment outlook after graduation.
Next Steps for Washington Trade | Seattle Times
At a Washington Trade Conference this week expert speakers from the Brookings Institution, National Foreign Trade Council and others recommended Congress approve fast-track trade promotion authority for President Obama to pursue and sign the TPP and TTIP. Washington State has much to gain by an ambitious TTIP agreement, as one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation–by some measures as many as 40% of Washington jobs are directly related to international trade.
Recent Analysis
Financial Services and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership | CEPS
Following the recent financial crisis, and the EU and US respective responses, Center for European Policy Studies CEO Karel Lannoo argues that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) provides a good opportunity for both parties to strengthen their financial regulatory and supervisory frameworks by incorporating G20 recommendations into US and European law. Moreover, including financial services in the negotiations would strengthen, rather than weaken, consumer protections and enhance financial stability globally.
TTIP Talks Back on Track | European Voice
European and American negotiators were confident that they were able to make up for any lost ground after the US government shutdown forced a delay in the second round of TTIP negotiations. Moreover, both sides demonstrated that progress had been made, particularly in the energy sector, ensuring investor protections, and in promoting mutual recognition of automotive and aircraft safety regulations.
How an EU-US Free Trade Agreement will Affect the Energy Sector | Oil Price
Sonja van Renssen has an excellent overview of how TTIP could potentially affect the energy sector, with a specific emphasis on US restrictions on exporting natural gas and oil. As the US energy revolution continues, Europe has a natural interest in ensuring access to these resources, but a balance will need to be maintained between energy production and environmental protection.
Setting the Rules for Global Trade | European Voice
Washington and Brussels are working to actively allay concerns that TTIP could result in any “race to the bottom” by watering down protective standards and regulations. Negotiators will need to be diligent and carefully explain their methods as critics on both sides of the Atlantic are ready to speak out against any regulatory convergence that appears to be threatening safety standards.
Upcoming Events
- December 2 | The 2013 Mortimer Caplin Conference on the World Economy presents: The TTIP: A Multilateral Perspective. Register Here.
- December 16-20 | Third Round of TTIP Negotiations in Washington
- January 2013 | Stock-taking exercise between EU Commissioner Karel de Gucht and USTR Michael Froman
Employment Opportunities
Assistant Director, Transatlantic Relations, Atlantic Council