The transatlantic trade and investment partnership (TTIP) is a proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States. In June 2013 the Council of the European Union gave a mandate to the European Commission to start negotiations.
In the wake of the global financial and economic crisis, TTIP was seen as a way to relance the economy; creating economic growth and jobs, both in Europe en the US, by eliminating tariff rates and trade barriers between the EU and its main trading partner, the US. The free trade and investment agreement covers 24 chapters, divided into three parts: market access, harmonization of regulations and new regulations. The negotiations take place alternately in Europe and in the US.
The aim was to finalize negotiations by the end of the term of President Obama, but this deadline was not met. If the agreement will be completed, remains at this point an open question.
On March 16, 2016 the Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs and Vleva organized an information meeting on TTIP.