EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Directorate-General for Trade
Directorate E - Neighbouring countries, USA and Canada
USA and Canada
Brussels,
USA and Canada
Meeting Report
VDA (German Association of the Automobile Industry) with Signe Ratso - 20
January 2015
Participants:
VDA: Kay Lindemann – VDA Managing Director; [Art. 4.1(b)] of VDA Brussels office; [Art. 4.1(b)]
in Bxl office.
COM: S.Ratso;
[Art. 4.1(b)]
On TTIP: VDA strongly supports the negotiations, but pressure and emotions are high in
Germany. VDA is organising an important press conference which will be attended by all
CEOs of German manufacturers and 2 suppliers CEOs, which is an unprecedented event.
BDI is also to start a campaign. The gvnt coalition (which gathers the sympathy of a lot
of voters) is also generally supportive towards TTIP, which is helpful. Even if Minister
Gabriel might be himself more critical of the deal, he is vice-chancellor, and should
normally stick to the broad gvnt line. Trade unions still a problem, especially IG Metall -
VDA tries to reach out to them. VDA also expressed concerns about the activities of
NGOs. While the ISDS topic remains difficult, VDA still advocates in favour. Asked
about the substance of a possible deal on cars, VDA remains cautious: important to
achieve tariff dismantling and the perspective of future regulatory convergence; unlikely
to obtain anything more. German companies with US business links are also engaged in
supportive efforts. COM motivated VDA to act further through their channels, especially
with US administration.
[Out of scope of the request]
Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111
[Out of scope of the request]
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