Bruton seeks commitment on EU - US trade deal

Minister for Enterprise Richard Bruton has called for progress on the EU-US trade deal ahead of a meeting of EU trade ministers in Brussels this morning.

Earlier this week, EU Commissioner Phil Hogan called on the US to spell out its priorities on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) amid concerns about US commitment to the deal.

Speaking this morning, Minister Bruton said that a deal between two of the world's biggest trading blocs would be hugely positive for Europe at a time when it is struggling to find sources of economic growth. "I think that both sides see the benefits from Europe. It means 400,000 jobs, half a per cent on to GDP, and for Ireland the benefits are more than double that in proportionate terms because of our close links with the US."

Asked about public concerns in some member states about the ongoing talks Minister Bruton said there were always concerns from different sectors when any trade agreement is being negotiated.

“In any trade negotiations there will be concerns raised, countries have what they call defensive interests, things that they worry about” he said, adding that Irish concerns over the agriculture sector would be addressed. He pointed out that certain issues had already been excluded before the negotiations even started, when Ireland reached agreement between member states on a common EU negotiating mandate during its presidency in 2013. “For example we excluded any right of governments to regulate, we excluded any interference in public services or water supply...so there are areas that we have identified, well in advance of these discussions and they have been factored into the negotiating mandate.”

Earlier this week Commissioner Hogan said there had been “no demonstration of a serious intent” by the US side to have an agreement on TTIP. “We’ve had a very slow response to position papers that have been put to the American side,” he said.

"I don't know [IF]the Americans are interested in doing a deal at the moment - they are more interested in the Asia Pacific region," he told journalists earlier this week. "We are engaging at the moment with the United States to establish if they're serious about doing a deal in 2015." Noting that there will be a US presidential election in 2016, Commissioner Hogan said that, if in the first half of next year there is no appetite for a deal, it is likely to be put aside until after the presidential election.

"President Obama said over the weekend that if Europe wanted this deal, it was up to Europe to put forward proposals. We have put forward our proposals in a very open and transparent way...unfortunately the United States can't even tell their own Congress about the contents of their own negotiating mandate which is creating conspiracy, suspicion and misinformation."

Mr Hogan said the import of hormone beef into the European Union was not on the table. "We will insist on good quality beef coming in here with EU standards associated with good quality food. We won't be allowing, as some farmers are worried about, to have... hormone beef coming on to the European market. That won't be allowed."

EU sources said Mr Hogan’s robust comments this week reflected the European Commission’s position as it prepares for the next round of official negotiations.

According to a document to be considered by Ministers today, the Council will "reiterate the EU's determination to promote free, fair and open trade in a spirit of reciprocity and mutual benefit." The document also states that "transparency around trade negotiations should continue to be improved in order to enhance dialogue with European citizens." Since negotiations began last year the EU has been criticised by many, including EU Ombudsman Emily O Reilly, for its lack of transparency regarding negotiations, prompting the Commission to publish its negotiating mandate publicly last month.

While the inclusion of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) which would allow companies to bring legal proceedings against governments, has emerged as a contentious issue in the public debate about TTIP, it is unlikely to be discussed in detail by Ministers today.

Ongoing discussions between the US and Asian economies about an Asian-Pacific trade deal, dominated discussions at last weekend’s Asia-Pacific summit which was attended by President Obama, fuelling concerns that the US intends to prioritise a trade deal with Asia before moving forward with TTIP.

Speaking earlier this week, European Commission secretary general Catherine Day said that she thought it unlikely that a deal would be done in 2015, though she stressed that a trade deal between the two blocs would play a key role in stimulating the European economy.