Ziga: Concluding TTIP by End of This Year Unrealistic

Ziga: Concluding TTIP by End of This Year Unrealistic

Bratislava, September 23 (TASR) – It’s unrealistic to expect that negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and USA will be completed by the end of 2016, said Slovak Economy Minister Peter Ziga at a press conference following an informal meeting of EU economy and trade ministers and European Commissioner for Trade Cecilie Malmstrom on Friday.

“It emerged from the discussion between the ministers on the state of the talks that a conclusion of negotiations with the USA by the end of this year is unrealistic,” said Ziga, adding that the treaty must be properly balanced and beneficial for the EU, with quality of content being given preference over speed.

“We’ve shifted the debate on the agreement further. It will be discussed by top officials of individual countries at the Council of the EU on October 20-21 with prime ministers taking part,” said Ziga. Meanwhile, economy and trade ministers will discuss the issue further on November 11, taking into account the results of the summit.

“We, as Slovakia, will continue promoting the standards and interests of the EU,” added Ziga.