Business Alliance for TTIP Reiterates Call for Comprehensive TTIP Agreement

Brussels, 21 April 2016 – Ahead of the 13th round of negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement which will take place from 25-29 April 2016 in New York, and the bilateral meetings between European leaders and U.S. President Barack Obama at the Hannover Messe in Germany taking place in parallel, the Business Alliance for TTIP stresses the importance of achieving an ambitious and comprehensive TTIP deal that delivers benefits to business, consumers and society. 

At a time of continued economic uncertainty, a robust TTIP agreement is a unique opportunity to boost growth and opportunities in the transatlantic economy. Successful conclusion of the negotiations could catalyse investment as well as trade in goods and services between the EU and U.S. markets, contributing to job creation on both sides of the Atlantic. Furthermore, TTIP provides a timely opportunity for the EU and U.S. to set the rules for trade and investment that could serve as a benchmark for the world. 

The members of the Business Alliance for TTIP welcome the speeding up of the negotiations with a view to completion in 2016, but underline that the substance of the agreement must prevail over timing. The long-term success of TTIP will ultimately depend on how far-reaching an agreement EU and U.S. leaders are willing to negotiate. Now is a critical time for negotiators to redouble their efforts and confront head-on the key issues that are essential to its success. 

The Business Alliance for TTIP stands ready to assist EU and U.S. leaders in these efforts to conclude an ambitious deal that meets the needs of business and citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.