Today, EU trade negotiators are meeting their US counterparts to begin the fifth round of talks for the largest free trade deal in history. One study carried out on behalf of the European Commission estimates that the agreement – known as the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) – could benefit individual households in Europe by over 500 euros each, generating millions of new jobs and €120 billion worth of additional economic output across the EU.
Trade tariffs between the EU and US are already low, so the most difficult part of the negotiations will concern alternative barriers to trade, including different approaches when it comes to regulation. Critics of the deal argue that TTIP will lower environmental standards and worker protection in Europe and could weaken democracy and national sovereignty.
With European Parliament elections taking place later this week, many of our commenters have concerns about the deal and might be wondering who to support. For example, we had one comment sent in from Matthias arguing that only big corporations will profit from TTIP. We took this question to Gabriele Zimmer, a German MEP and the Chair of the Radical Left group, for her to respond:
To get a different perspective, though, we also spoke to Karel De Gucht, the European Commissioner for Trade (whose party sits with the Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament). As one of the central figures in the TTIP talks, how would he react to Matthias’ comment?
In fact, the big advantage of this agreement with the United States is that it would be very good for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). It is not easy for them to become established in distant markets where there is no legal certainty and no rule of law. However, the big difference with the US is that they do have rule of law – there you can go to a court and get a fair ruling. This is very, very important for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Maybe such legal certainty is less important for big corporations – because for them, if they have a problem, they can ride it off in their next trimester’s report, but for SMEs this can be the end. So, opening up the US market is not just advantageous for the big corporations.
Next, we had a comment sent in by Nicholas who thinks that by focusing on the narrow economic impact of TTIP, we are missing the huge benefits in terms of influencing the global trade agenda. He believes TTIP will help the US and EU set the rules of international trade, ensuring fair competition with economies around the world. How would De Gucht reply?
Finally, we had a comment from Marcel who fears that the EU-US trade deal will lower wages in Europe and damage environmental and worker protection. How would De Gucht respond to Marcel?
Do YOU think an EU-US trade deal would lower environmental standards and worker protection in Europe? Or would it boost both economies and provide millions of jobs? Don’t forget that the European Parliament has the right to vote on approving (or not) the EU-US trade agreement, so make sure you vote this week for the party YOU support in the European elections! And let us know your thoughts and comments in the form below, and we’ll take them to policy-makers and experts for their reactions.
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62 comments Post a commentcomment
We have seen American inequality rise, the influence of it’s lobbyists on politics, it’s profit over the planet methodology – I’m against it.
If they want trade it should be at our terms only, we will set a far better global example and it’s needed.
HIghly agree.
This treaty has nothing to do with free trade but with corporate special rights like being able to sue govts. for “reducing their profits”.
NO ONE even in Congress was allowed to even SEE it and they are trying to fast-track ( a way of ditching democratic vote and just pass things ) it.
It may be true that there won’t be legislative moves but a change of pratice at the Commission to the same end, such as agreeing on certain principles.
What De Gucht tries to obfuscate is that in fact standards means European legislation. A report from his Trade Department is very clear on that as it compares the legislative systems on both sides for TTIP.
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2014/may/tradoc_152466.pdf
We have to work of our friendship’s terms and ONLY that! EU is not a part of USA. If trade will be, it must be just commercial with goods will be chosen by us and nothing more.
Of course. There is no public pressure to have this, so who do you think is lobbying to get it so they can benefit from it?
Most people would probably not disagree with the idea. But our democratic regulations CANNOT & WILL NOT be affected to please corporations trying to get completely MAD compensations for loss of access to markets. This is the sort of “amendment” businesses want, and will ruin the balance sheets of all governments.
“compensations for loss of access to markets”
code word for “your environmental standards” are making me “lose access to markets” because god forbid you put a cap on your smoke stacks.
And such other ambiguities.
I think free trade between EU and USA would be good to exchange goods and boost both economies. But there are still things to be solved. I am bit against GMO, because they have made unwanted weed to grow in fields. We need more research on GMO. It could solve starvation worldwide, so be open for the improvement. Also it’s challenging how big companies could sue national states. It’s wise to keep the free trade agreement negotiations going on and find the contract terms that satisfy both parties.
As long as we’re not going to import GMOs from them!!!
Don’t sign it, stop the corporate pressure.
It will benefit ALL EUROPEANS AND AMERICANS. Since 45% of total gdp globally is produced in USA and EU its natural that a bigger union will be created. And after a few years single currency must replace dollar and euro.
Give me a break with so much benefits…… the tariff bariers (taxes, douane import&export main expences ) were cut some years ago. Financially it’s gonna be the same or worse for the lil guy , but the corporate ….. there’s a new set of rights gained in Europe. So, yes ….. if i would be a corporation , i would thrive under TTIP in Europe.
p.s. Moral & social, there’s no good corporation , in Europe or US … the main goal is raising profits.
I don’t think that there is enough information on TAFTA that we could find and therefore I obstain to debate on this agreement unless EU makes the entire agreement transperent!
That is it!
Lower of course !!!! we must not sign a deal which is beeing hidden from the european people.
to hell with the US
I m not against it, but we dont want GMO and energetic giants to take our Europe.
Why does everything always have to get bigger?
One group of bankers running two continents .. The US FED = ECB .. Not only will it benifit these trillionaires it will likely tirn Europe into a war zone sooner than later, they have bankrupted America and now looking to loot and bankrupt Europe .. Disaster waiting to happen if you live in Europe.
One true economy whoa all t be necessary the integration congenial of market the future EU-US
lower environmental standards and worker protection in Europe
My first and only mind set on this question is, why are you still asking such a ridiculous question? Are you all mad or all on the take?
There cannot be a trade agreement with the USA. Such an agreement is against the benefits of the European people in every way. Why are European leaders in talks with these people? They created financial ruin here, are spying on you, create civil wars in our midst and are trying to turn our nations into undemocratic third world sewers. And it is deliberate. How will you free yourself from them when it turns nasty? How will you escape their talons? What kind of get out clause are you building into it? And how quick will you be able to get them off your back? Can you even get rid of the US now? Can you send them packing today? Use your head. Why do you want this for us?
http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-eu-transatlantic-free-trade-agreement-more-secrecy-and-more-duplicity-revealed/5369272
And here is a claim this is genocide for Europeans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLqjb5arkws
I don’t think that there is enough information on TAFTA that we could find. To debate on this agreement the EU and the USA need to make the entire agreement transparent! And allow enough time for it to be read and understood.
OF COURSE the US-EU trade deal will benefit big corporations BUT it will also increase jobs for people on BOTH sides of the Atlantic.
The MAIN issue of concern is that TOO MUCH power could be served up to big businesses. THIS SHOULD BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h76zgwZdeg
“it will also increase jobs for people on BOTH sides of the Atlantic.” – no it won’t.
In fact check the video, it explains how this “free trade” ( it’s not even about trade! ) will work.
@. = Crayven wannabe
In fact check the EU website, it explains how this ‘free trade” will amongst other things create jobs:
http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/ttip/questions-and-answers/
Enjoy!
It will do nothing of the kind. The less barriers there are, the more jobs will move to low wage/low regulation countries. That is a simple law of economics. Something that idiot ‘politicians’ like De Gucht do not seem to be able to grasp. Or maybe some corporation promised a job to one of his kids if he helped betray European workers.
@Marcel
I think jobs will be created in the EU and USA, but I do agree that a significant proportion will go ex-TAFTA.
In theory the deal is good BUT big business MUST be subjugated/curtailed else the result will be even worse than the EU as-is.
I think…people don’t know wht is going on…i attended a US -EU talk in Barcelona, it was an open debate…but..it was scary…There are many regions in the world affected by such decisions….what the countries of the south have to say on that.
Any Brazilian…Chinese…Russian…African…has anything to say? I ‘d like to know thir opinions
I’ll have to read more about it, but as far as I’m concerned it would only benefit the ruling elite rather than the most of the population I guess. Don’t forget that the USA have a huge debt and that their economy is shrinking faster than the european one. So for now, I don’t think it would be a good idea. But I’m looking forward to listen to some pros rather than cons.
The EU has shown itself to be a global leader in environmental protection & policy, it has also shown itself a leader in citizens’ rights & freedoms. I do not think that these things are threatened in any way. The USA is the global business leader & among the most vibrant markets & source of innovation & entrepreneurship. Border exist on paper only & this is a step in the right direction!
If it were coupled with free labour mobility it would create huge benefits for everybody. A free trade zone alone would probably increase consumptions but lower labour income and increase inequality. Free movement of capitals without free movement of people results only in exploitation of the poorest
I want Buick. :-(
It would make it impossible to reverse privatisation!
I think any trade deals are acceptable but only within strictly set European managed framework. I see lobbyists and American human rights abuse everywhere I look and I don’t want it to become something that’s happening in within EU. We don’t need their lobbyists and dirty secretive tricks.
Why is the “more jobs” slogan a lie? Because the Trade Unions are kept out. Exporters don’t pursue a job creation agenda.
There is a TACD, a transatlantic consumer dialogue, but no transatlantic trade union dialogue and there must be a reason for that. The reason being that it would lead to cutting of jobs on a mass scale. Like NAFTA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h76zgwZdeg
TTIP = NAFTA on steroids in Europe.
bad for Europe
Although the USS Liberty crew is the most decorated crew since WWII – and even though American Legion members show strong support for Liberty vets – Legion officials have treated these veterans and their families with disdain. Please see http://honorlibertyvets.org/ for a detailed article about this and an action you can take.
Israeli forces tried to sink the ship with all men aboard, machine gunned stretcher bearers, and shot up life rafts. They killed 34 Americans and injured at least 174.
The captain of the Liberty received the Medal of Honor, and altogether the officers and crew were awarded two Navy Crosses, 13 Silver Stars, 20 Bronze Stars, nine Navy Commendations, 208 Purple Hearts, 294 Combat Action Ribbons, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Another crewman was also a candidate for the Medal of Honor, America?s highest award, but there were too few witnesses left alive to provide the necessary substantiation.
Yet, American Legion officials have prohibited the crew from having a booth at the national convention, would not publish a paid advertisement in the program by a supporter, and tried to convince the VFW also to prohibit a booth — the VFW, however, supports the crew and will again have a Liberty booth at its upcoming national convention.
Although Israel partisans claim that the attack was a “mistake” and claim that there have supposedly been “11 US investigations” that concluded this, these claims have been thoroughly rebutted by numerous authors, the Library of Congress, and an official communication from the US Navy.
For thoroughly cited information on all this see http://honorlibertyvets.org/legion.html
The crew has the legal right to a thorough investigation of this attack. To sign a statement of support for such an investigation go to http://honorlibertyvets.org/help.html
Although the USS Liberty crew is the most decorated crew since WWII – and even though American Legion members show strong support for Liberty vets – Legion officials have treated these veterans and their families with disdain. Please see http://honorlibertyvets.org/ for a detailed article about this and an action you can take. Israeli forces tried to sink the ship with all men aboard, machine gunned stretcher bearers, and shot up life rafts. They killed 34 Americans and injured at least 174. The captain of the Liberty received the Medal of Honor, and altogether the officers and crew were awarded two Navy Crosses, 13 Silver Stars, 20 Bronze Stars, nine Navy Commendations, 208 Purple Hearts, 294 Combat Action Ribbons, and the Presidential Unit Citation. Another crewman was also a candidate for the Medal of Honor, America?s highest award, but there were too few witnesses left alive to provide the necessary substantiation. Yet, American Legion officials have prohibited the crew from having a booth at the national convention, would not publish a paid advertisement in the program by a supporter, and tried to convince the VFW also to prohibit a booth — the VFW, however, supports the crew and will again have a Liberty booth at its upcoming national convention. Although Israel partisans claim that the attack was a “mistake” and claim that there have supposedly been “11 US investigations” that concluded this, these claims have been thoroughly rebutted by numerous authors, the Library of Congress, and an official communication from the US Navy. For thoroughly cited information on all this see http://honorlibertyvets.org/legion.html The crew has the legal right to a thorough investigation of this attack. To sign a statement of support for such an investigation go to http://honorlibertyvets.org/help.html
What I say is why something as important as this is not in the media? Nobody knows anything about this?? Actually, I had no idea about this.
If it were good, politicians won’t stop speaking about this…
No it won’t. But depends on how the EU-US , ( and if they want???) ; would change the economic policy towards China and India . Cheap work almost like slavery , produces cheap goods , which has no value. It’s only making rubish which is now difficult to store . That’s not only fault of chinese – indian casts , but that’s also the fault of eu-us companies, doing production there based on cheap labour. Capital means should come back home and produce everything at home.
Here is what this deal is really all about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPIsjH25GHo
And what it will do to the man in the street.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzExgffxm_Y
And the real reason we are in financial ruin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2zJ22RexaI
“Today, EU trade negotiators are meeting their US counterparts to begin the fifth round of talks for the largest free trade deal in history”
Only it’s not a trade deal, it has NOTHING to do with “free trade” but with CORPORATE RIGHTS.
Corporations will be able to SUE governments for – say – environmental laws that “reduce their profits”.
And this trial will be judged and presided by CORPORATE LAWYERS.
This isn’t a “free trade agreement” it’s a corporate trojan horse !
Will an EU-US trade deal only benefit the big corporations?
Yes but beside it will benefit Europe’s regular folk. Does anyone knows where jobs from US and EU went ?
as only big corporations are at the negotiation table and consumer organisations, ngo’s and even politicians are left out, my answer is YES
as only big corporations are at the negotiation table and consumer organisations, ngo’s and even politicians are left out, my answer is YES
TTIP means a loss of soevereignity of the EU. The EU will be restricted to have the policies it wants. Think about sustainability, the environment, social conditions and such. The process is intransparent, so: NO
TTIP means a loss of soevereignity of the EU. The EU will be restricted to have the policies it wants. Think about sustainability, the environment, social conditions and such. The process is intransparent, so: NO
Of course.
Of course.
Hell no, it isn’t even a trade agreement, it’s another step to create a dystopian future were corporations rule the world. It must be stopped at all costs.
sure!!! and 3 banks!
The treaty must be stopped by any means necessary. We do not need it. Harmonizing standards means setting them at the lowest common denominator, meaning our standards will be replaced with worse US standards.
Only corporations are lobbying for this and ordinary people are not. That alone should tell you enough.
De Gucht is being deliberately disingenious. This treaty indeed doesn’t directly lower standards and protections. However it opens up means for corporations to sue governments for trying to improve such standards. Note how he did not adress this. By this treaty, you give corporations a backdoor to bypass legislation and courts via the ISDS. The settlement dispute mechanism/arbitrage courts are a trojan horse.
The report that the Commission commissioned is nothing but propaganda. The quoted benefits are designed purely to sucker people into supporting it.
Also, note the Gucht is a (European) liberal, meaning from a political belief that puts corporate interests first, a belief in the socalled markets. Just look at the damage they caused with their casino capitalism (corporatism).
There is a name for the fusion of corporate and state power, I think Mussolini came up with it.
We must stop this by any means necessary. Because all recent free trade deals did what I say (loss of jobs ea) and nothing what de Gucht says.
It seems http://treatthetreaty.org/
hi , i totally agree with Marcel, it is not proven that there will be any positive effect in the trady and eve if it is by far shadowed by last page in small letters in the contract that nobody should see before it is to late !!!. All companies (US) get the right for special court against contries (EU) if any legislation is doing economic harm to the company, meaning if a us company can sell
chloried and clined chicken by concrete cleaner in the us it should be alowed to sell them in europe too, and if not the can make a economic claim against the contries. What t.. f.. is this sh…t y.. are all creasy. It is not just chicken but fracking, atomic plants and what so ever that could get in by backdoor !
it really looks like pandoras box and sceares the hell out me and it could make many people to a no sayer for european comision ! we can still back out if it gets this creasy !
Greatings and fear from Denmark
Hey come on, is this a serious topic or not?
Your dealing with monsanto , the inventer of agent orange , gmo products , corn that kills rats , and the largest corporate land grab in US history. Monsanto wants to own the european food supply , including water .. Its a no brainer.
Hey a bag of cash a few stocks and yippi eu gm products.
People should find out whom the shareholders are at monsanto.
Oops thats not allowed…
I totally agree !
Why don’t we build a strong Europe first, in terms of political integration ? Then maybe the european people (and not the lobby) will be able to make a fair deal with the USA. Why TTIP is one of the european priority ?
TTIP in its current form allows corporations to SUE countries and governments over laws “limiting” their operations. This opens the door wide open to abuse of all kinds by big corporations, and effectively renders governments and countries in the pockets of Big Business. Democracy will suffer horrendously, freedom and rights that we currently have will also be adversely affected.
It is very upsetting to me that Europe may succumb to the lobbyists from the global Us corporations, the GMO ridden USA getting a foothold and control of our regulations , their only intention is to make more money for their shareholders, in order to do this they need to be able to influence our law processes from the inside. We need to remain separate from this USA onslaught, its only about their money and their power, not the people but the corporations. Think about our food safety our environmental needs, the Usa has destroyed their own don’t let them change our passion for real food, and a living planet,
Large corporations of course stand to benefit, but it is the role of MEPs to question and scrutinise the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership [TTIP].
Many MEPs under pressure from their constituents and some on a matter of principle are concerned about the implications of TTIP.
TTIP does open the door for many corporations to make huge profits providing goods and services between the EU and US.
However there should be safeguards in place to protect public services from facing legal action from corporate entities. I believe in the sovereignty of nation states and elected parliaments to scrutinise how corporate actors behave in their countries, especially where they are in conflict to the public’s best interest.