Talks to create a massive free trade zone between the United States and the European Union continue to be held back because of disagreements on key issues, making success under President Obama’s administration ever less likely. With the November U.S. elections drawing closer, chief EU negotiator Ignacio Garcia Bercero says that “still, there is a lot, a lot that needs to be done before this negotiation is ripe for conclusion.”
After the sides last week held a 13th negotiating session, Garcia Bercero says fundamental disagreements remain over several issues including market access for European firms and protection for the agriculture sector. Tom has more on why reaching agreement is proving difficult.