EU-US trade deal: European Parliament committees have their say

The European Parliament is working on its position on the EU-US trade deal known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The international trade committee is responsible for drafting the Parliament's recommendations; however 14 other EP committees will contribute with their opinions. MEPs are due to debate and vote on the European Parliemanet's position before summer.

The trade deal, which is still being negotiated, can only enter into force if it has been approved by both the Council and the European Parliament. MEPs have already warned that they would not approve the agreement at any cost and that they will be closely looking at issues such as food standards.

The international trade committee is responsible for drafting the Parliament's position based on a report prepared by Bernd Lange, a German member of the S&D group. However the final vote will only take place once the other 14 committees involved have given their opinions.

State of play

One opinion adopted:

• Development committee

Four opinions to be voted on this week:

• Economic affairs committee (vote on Tuesday 24 March)
•  Industry, research and energy committee (vote on Tuesday 24 March)
• Internal market and consumers protection committee (vote on  Tuesday 24 March)
• Transport committee (vote on Thursday 26 March)

Nine opinions to be voted on in the coming weeks:

• Agriculture committee
• Culture committee
• Employment committee
• Environment, public health and food safety committee
• Civil liberties committee
• Foreign affairs committee
• Legal affairs committee
• Petitions committee
• Constitutional affairs committee

More information

You can find more information in our TTIP top story.

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