#12DaysofChristmas: Trade deals remain controversial #Yes2TTIP #StopTTIP

The EU-US negotiations to reach a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the EU’s largest export partner remain vexed. Secretary of State John Kerry optimistically hoped to reach an agreement by the end of the year. With a seemingly protectionist President-elect and public concern in Europe, it is difficult to see how progress will be made until we know more about Trump in office and the outcome of French and German national elections, writes Catherine Feore.

Despite the most transparent negotiations of a trade agreement to date and the creation of an expert group representing a very wide range of diverse interests including trade unions, consumers, the environment and business, large sections of the public remain sceptical about the merits of this deal, and about globalization more generally.

The European Commission has repeatedly assured those fearful of the agreeement that the deal brokered will be one that protects European environmental, consumer and animal welfare standards, but the reassurances appear to fall on deaf ears.

We spoke to participants at a joint TTIP/CETA protest in Brussels on 20 September about their objections.

We also heard the arguments from industry, who argue that the protections are there and that TTIP is an opportunity to improve growth in Europe and create more badly needed jobs.

Over the twelve days of Christmas we are highlighting 12 videos from the past 12 months.

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