site.btaEconomy Minister Loukarski: Future TTIP Should Take into Account European Values

Economy Minister Loukarski: Future TTIP Should Take into Account European Values

Brussels/Sofia, May 7 (BTA) - The future Transatlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership (TTIP) should take into account European
values, stimulate sustainable development and contribute to the
well-being of all European citizens, said Economy Minister
Bozhidar Loukarski in Brussels on Thursday during the EU Foreign
Affairs Council (Trade), quoted by his Ministry. EU ministers
discussed the course of the TTIP negotiations between the EU and
the US, along with the preparations for the World Trade
Organization's 10th ministerial conference, scheduled to take
place at the end of this year.

Minister Loukarski noted that the talks with the US should seek
a balance and progress on all main issues with the goal of
negotiating an improved access to the US market for goods,
services and public procurements, simplified rules of origin and
facilitated trade, improved protection of geographical
indications, stable and clear rules for trade and investments in
the energy sector and sustainable access to raw materials. He
stressed the role of transparency when addressing the existing
concerns surrounding the negotiations.

Commenting the resolving of investment disputes, Minister
Loukarski urged that all options be carefully discussed, noting
that the future proposals should not restrict the right of the
EU and its members to adopt and enforce measures, needed for the
pursuit of legitimate public policy goals and not to lead to
the repealing of adopted statutes or measures.