The United States is still Europe's most important trade partner. Europe should regulate trade with the transatlantic relationship in mind despite US disengagement, writes Heidi Obermeyer.
The 70-year Transatlantic alliance between the United States and the Europe was formed around common values and norms that demanded commitment not just to democracy, the rule of law and human rights, but also to the values of a liberal economy that supported free, fair and open rule-based trade
The reaction in the EU to Donald Trump’s election was largely negative, as several political figures expressed concern at the consequences of a Trump presidency for Europe.
Waiting in the wings, and still being negotiated largely in secret is the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The agreement, between the U.S. and the 28-nation European Union, has been formally discussed through 12 rounds of negotiations, with another round scheduled for some time this month. Both sides would like to conclude this treaty by the end of 2016.
Raoul Gebert was the Chief of Staff for NDP leader Thomas Mulcair between May 2012 and January 2015. During this period (and presently) the federal NDP have lacked a clear position on the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). While they have stated they are generally opposed to 'investment protection' provisions in 'free trade' deals, they are (still) reserving judgement on CETA as a whole.
The number of regional trade agreements has increased from 70 in 1990 to more than 270 today. In a new blog, Witney Schneidman argues that in certain respects, Africa is well positioned in this new era regional trade relations.
For decades, free-trade agreements, called F.T.A.s, have been one of the most solid planks in the platform of economic elites and establishment politicians.
Those days may well be over. What changed?
The EU and Australia have agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) during the margins of the G20 summit in Turkey, whilst also on Monday (16 November), the Council gave the go-ahead for negotiations to start on an FTA with the Philippines.
If it goes through, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will have the most far-ranging impact on UK companies since the creation of the European Union. But, while the benefits to big business are clear, SMEs seem set to lose out.