Ref. Ares(2015)4681202 - 29/10/2015
Ref. Ares(2017)3665978 - 20/07/2017
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Directorate-General for Trade
Directorate E - Neighbouring countries, USA and Canada
USA and Canada
Brussels,
USA and Canada
Meeting Report
TTIP events in Germany - citizens' dialogue in Leipzig + event in Berlin on 'TTIP
discussion in Europe'
1.
Citizens' Dialogue on TTIP
On Thursday, 2 July, I participated at the 7th 'Citizens' Dialogue on TTIP', organised by
the pro-Europe NGO Europa Union in cooperation with a range of partners, including
business, trade unions, TTIP-critics and the European Commission Rep in Berlin. On the
panel were, among others, MEP Keller and MEP Jahr. I was given the introductory slot
where I gave a more general perspective of the rationale and benefit of TTIP and an
overview of the state of play in the current negotiations. With approximately 80 persons,
the event was less well attended than previous ones, given the weather conditions and the
location of the event. All in all, a controversial and mainly critical discussion on TTIP
with only a few voices defending or supporting the project. Some good – and unexpected
support – from the association of German cities (Detlef Raphael from the Deutscher
Städtetag) which we should build on.
2.
Conference: "TTIP debate in Europe"
The representation of the Land of Baden-Württemberg, in cooperation with the Heinrich-
Böll-foundation (close to the Greens), organised a very interesting public debate on the
varying perception of TTIP in the different EU MS. On the panel were Krystof Krulis
(CZ, Association of International Affairs) and Marek Wasinski (PL, Polish Institute of
International Affairs). Jim Boughner – US economic counsellor – was also present. The
discussion focussed very much on the very different situation in each MS in the view on
TTIP, without coming to a specific conclusion. But it was very good to have a relatively
objective/academic look at this issue, not least to illustrate in Germany that the intense
debate is relatively unique. I was given the discussion slot, reacting to the earlier
presentations, and underlined the fact that (1) we can actually measure the differences in
the public debate and that (2) this was a sign that many issues in the public TTIP-
discussion were not so much TTIP-specific issues but more of a general nature.
Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111
Document Outline