Global Business and Economics Program Associate Director Garrett Workman and Intern Marie Kasperek cowrite for the Hill on the recent visit of European Commissioner for Trade Cecelia Malmström to Washington:
While much of the trade focus in Washington will center on the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks taking place around the city, this week will be at least equally important for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The proposed agreement between the US and European Union would create the world’s largest free trade area—covering almost half of global GDP and two-thirds of foreign investment. Monday, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman met with his European counterpart Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström who is travelling to Washington for the first time in her new position overseeing international commerce for the EU.
Monday’s meeting is a key part of the larger effort to give the TTIP negotiations a “fresh start” after a challenging first year. As Ambassador Froman recently underlined, “we have an opportunity to work together for a fresh start to the negotiations. The United States is committed to moving forward with TTIP as soon as we can and as fast as we’re able.” But what does this “fresh start” actually entail, and what role should today’s meeting play?