TTIP
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership
As with many major undertakings, TTIP has points which are potentially both positive and/or negative. In the public debate on both sides of the Atlantic, the supporters emphasize the positive effects of simplifying industrial standards, reducing tariffs and strengthening intellectual property rights while ignoring the emotional topics of data protection, genetically altered food, residual growth hormones and antibiotics in processed meat, as well as the power to be given to corporate lawyers, while the detractors do the opposite.
Just how good the treaty will be depends on current negotiations and subsequent review. As conceived, TTIP will not do away with national health standards, e.g., in the food industry. Also, the negotiations are only the first step and are to be followed by a review (called scrubbing) by lawyers on all sides and final review and approval by all national legislatures before it goes into effect. Regardless of what the lobbyist tell us, there is absolutely no call for panic; the review and approval mechanism will ensure a positive outcome that is agreeable to all. We encourage our members and friends to form their own opinion and make it known to their elected representatives.
As a thought starter, here are some pros and contras:
Pro - Links
Contra - Links
Food&Water Watch > Global Trade > TPP and TTIP
Food&Water Watch > Food & Water Europe
Supporter - Arguments
10 Reasons … to Support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)
1. Economic Growth
According to estimates, TTIP could boost the transatlantic economy’s GDP between 1.5 and 3.5 percent.
2. Increase in Foreign Trade
TTIP would significantly increase foreign trade between the EU and the US.
3. Chance to Set Global Standards in Industry and Services
Common standards would improve the position of the transatlantic partners in regard to global trade.
4. Strengthening Innovation Potential
Innovation is a key driver for growth. A comprehensive TTIP would further strengthen innovation, research and development.
5. More Labor Mobility
A comprehensive agreement could significantly influence the mobility of skilled and specialized professionals, thereby counteracting the shortage of skilled workers on both sides of the Atlantic.
6. Creation of 400,000 New Jobs
Increases in exports and new investment opportunities would create new jobs in both economic areas.
7. Investment Boost
TTIP would create new opportunities and incentives for companies to invest in the transatlantic marketplace.
8. Welfare Gains for Everyone
Existing free trade agreements show that comprehensive trade liberalization generates long term economic prosperity for partner states.
9. Increase in Competitiveness
The EU and the US could expand their position in international trade as the driving forces of the global economy.
10. Deepening of Transatlantic Values
- The transatlantic relationship that is based on trust, transparency and common principles would be further strengthened.
Opponent - Arguments
Good reasons not to rush
TTIP versus Domestic Laws
Any standardization has consequences on the domestic and local level.
Environmental Protection
Several countries have established high level environmental protection laws. These laws are challended by TTIP.
Agricultural Self-Sufficiency
TTIP would significantly increase food imports and put local farmers livelihoods at risk.
Interests of Corporations
Environmental protection, food protection, and health regulations are often not in the interest of corporations, their financers and their lobbyists. Their influence in the negociations is a latent danger for future generations.
Source: ©copyright American Chamber of Commerce in Germany e.V.
TTIP News Feeds
USTR
USTR - Press Release
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Transcript of Press Gaggle with U.S. Trade Representative Froman and European Commissioner for Trade Malmstrom
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
Transcript of Press Gaggle with U.S. Trade Representative Froman and European Commissioner for Trade Malmstrom Washington, D.C. December 8, 2014
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Statement by Ambassador Michael Froman Following Meeting with European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman met today with European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström in Brussels, Belgium to discuss the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (T-TIP). The meeting was their first face-to-face meeting and an opportunity to discuss their work on a fresh start to the negotiations. The meeting builds on the leaders meeting that took place in Brisbane, Australia during the G-20, where President Barack Obama and European Union President Juncker, and European leaders recommitted to the aims of T-TIP.
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Statement on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
Statement on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment PartnershipNovember 16, 2014 We, the Leaders of the United States and the European Union, and the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain meeting in the margin of the G-20 Summit reaffirm our commitment to comprehensive and ambitious negotiations, in a spirit of mutual benefit, leading to a high standard Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement.
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Readout of Ambassador Froman’s Call with EU Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
Ambassador Michael Froman spoke by phone on Monday morning with the European Union’s new Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström. The Ambassador congratulated the Trade Commissioner on her appointment and winning the support of the EU Parliament through her confirmation process. They agreed on the economic and strategic importance of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) and shared commitment to working on a fresh start for the talks. They also agreed to meet in-person in the near future.
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U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman Promotes the Benefits of Exporting and President Obama’s Historic Trade Agenda in Des Moines, Iowa
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
Top U.S. Trade Official Meets with Farmers, Iowa State Fair-Goers, Business Leaders, and Elected Officials to Discuss Obama Administration Efforts to Grow the Middle Class Through Trade
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Statement by U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman at the Close of the Sixth Round of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Negotiations
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
Statement by U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman at the Close of the Sixth Round of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Negotiations
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Trade Policy and Our Oceans: Ambassador Froman’s Statement on President Obama’s Executive Actions to Preserve and Protect Oceans
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
Froman highlights ongoing USTR objectives in major trade agreements that will promote ocean sustainability Washington, D.C. – U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman issued the following statement following the President’s announcement of new executive action to combat illegal fishing and support trade in legal, sustainable seafood.
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Remarks by Ambassador Michael Froman at the Council on Foreign Relations: The Strategic Logic of Trade
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
Remarks by Ambassador Michael Froman at the Council on Foreign RelationsThe Strategic Logic of Trade New York, N.Y. June 16, 2014 *As Delivered*
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Statement by U.S. Trade Representative Froman on the Conclusion of the Fifth Round of T-TIP Negotiations
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
Washington, D.C. – United States Trade Representative Michael Froman issued the following statement at the conclusion of the fifth round of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) negotiations:
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Negotiators Meet for the Fifth Round of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) Talks
Thu, 19 October 2017 21:44
U.S. Chief Negotiator Dan Mullaney and EU Chief Negotiator Ignacio Garcia Bercero shake hands at the start of the fifth round of T-TIP negotiationsU.S. and EU teams met today in Arlington, Virginia for the first day of the fifth round of negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) agreement.
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