Brussels, 10/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - Nearly all issues in the three areas of the talks on a transatlantic trade and investment partnership (TTIP) will be on the negotiating table for the sixth round of talks which will be held in Brussels next week (14-18 July). A close EU source told EUROPE that issues covering access to the market, and regulatory convergence and rules would be addressed.
European and American negotiators have even scheduled a work programme from now until mid-October. A seventh round of talks will take place in September ahead of a new meeting between EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and US Trade Representative Mike Froman in October to discuss progress.
On the technical front, things are looking up and it might be possible, the source explained ahead of the sixth round of negotiations, for an ambitious and balanced deal to be signed early in 2016. He said it had taken two and a half years to reach agreement with South Korea, so it is possible technically. Everything depends on the content and the necessary political will.
For access to the market, talks are continuing on tariff liberalisation for goods based on the first exchange of offers (in February) - the EU made an offer covering 96% of its tariff lines and is awaiting a revised offer from the United States. For access to the service market, the two sides are preparing a first exchange of offers, which are already on the table but talks are still at the presentation stage. For access to public procurement markets, the two sides have not yet decided on the negotiating parameters, explained the source. The Commission admits that this question will need talks at head of state level if a high level of ambition is to be possible.
Work on non-tariff barriers and regulatory convergence, whether in terms of improving regulatory compatibility for key industrial sectors, technical blocks on trade (TBT), or health and plant health issues, will continue next week and in the following weeks. A consolidated text is already on the table for TBT, and negotiators hope to have consolidated texts for the other two on the table by September.
Finally, talks will continue on sustainable development rules (labour law and environmental standards), geographical indications, energy and raw materials. The EU wants a separate chapter on raw materials.
The highly controversial question of dispute settlements between investors and the state (ISDS) is in the air at the moment until the European Commission finishes its consultations. (EH)