Securing the potential 2 million jobs that a successful EU-US trade deal (TTIP) could create in Europe is a goal worth striving for, according to Sean Kelly MEP.
“TTIP could lead to a €250 billion in EU GDP (2% increase) equating to an annual extra €500 per European family, and the creation of more than 2 million jobs across the EU.”
As Ireland’s only member of the European Parliament’s Trade Committee, Mr Kelly is urging policymakers and citizens to remain open-minded as negotiations continue on the major Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) talks.
“It is important for us to realise that this trade deal is of more importance to the EU than to the USA, in terms of benefits and Europe´s place in the world. This point has been missed by most commentators, especially, those opposed to TTIP on any grounds.
“I support a balanced TTIP negotiation result which promotes employment and growth in Ireland and in Europe. It is essential that we secure a reciprocal market, with less trade barriers and mutual investment opportunities,” he said.
“Securing such a highly complex deal is no small task, with talks now running for 18 months and some seven rounds of negotiations already taken place. While there are concerns regarding certain elements of the talks, these are being discussed at length and we have yet to hear the outcome.
“There are a lot of vocal naysayers on TTIP and everyone is entitled to an opinion, but this trade deal is still at the negotiation stage. Let’s stay open-minded yet focused on our TTIP goals to achieve the best possible outcome and a balanced agreement,” Mr Kelly said.
