EU-US TTIP trade talks hit investor protection snag

The Commission has published the results of a public consultation on investor protection – one of the most contentious areas under discussion.

 

There were many objections to the idea of using independent tribunals with power to overrule national policies.

 

A lot of work is needed on future investment rules, the Commission says.

 

The talks on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement (TTIP) are continuing, but the important area of investor protection has been suspended for now.

 

There are widespread fears in Europe that EU standards might be weakened in some areas, in a trade-off to satisfy powerful business lobbies and revive Europe’s struggling economies.

 

A Commission study estimates that a TTIP deal could boost the size of the EU economy by €120bn (£94bn; $152bn) – equal to 0.5% of the 28-member bloc’s total GDP – and the US economy by €95bn (0.4% of GDP).

 

But the Commission acknowledges public concern about court cases in which powerful companies have sued governments over public policy.

 

Read More: BBC News – EU-US TTIP trade talks hit investor protection snag