Faced with growing competition from China and India, the EU and the US want to sign an agreement to create the world’s biggest global free trade and investment zone. "A future deal between the world's two most important economic powers will be a game-changer, giving a strong boost to our economies on both sides of the Atlantic," said European Commission President José Manuel Barroso in Brussels on Wednesday.
The negotiations are expected to begin in the first half of this year and - according to European trade commissioner Karel De Gucht - may conclude within the next two years.
Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!
It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.
Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!