On 16 July, civil society is being invited to attend an ad hoc meeting on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Organised by the European Commission, the objective of the meeting is to update civil society organisations on the issues brought up during the first round of negotiations, and to exchange views with different groups.
HOWEVER…a quick scan of the list of participants currently registered shows there is still scope for much larger participation by environmental, international development and public health groups, not to mention farmer organisations.
You can find more information information, check out the list of participants and register for the event by following the link here.
The meeting will take place at the Centre Albert Borschette, room AB-0D, 36, rue Froissart, 1040 Brussels from 14.30 – 16.30.
Background
On 14th June 2013, EU Member States gave the European Commission the green light to start trade and investment talks with the United States. The idea behind the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is to create a free trade agreement between the two largest and most powerful global markets. Why? To enhance further growth perspectives and to react to growing strength of emerging economies.
Organisations fighting for sustainable food and farming systems on both sides of the Atlantic have expressed concern that the initiative could present new threats and challenges. It has been suggested for example that more locally-based food systems with closer links between farmers and consumers (as an alternative model against corporate controlled food chains) could be wiped out by lower standards resulting from the deal. See earlier posts on ARC2020 below for more information…and then register to attend the meeting on July 16. Have your say!
The first round of TTIP negotiations will take place during the week starting 8th July in Washington.
