Juncker is pushing member states to reaffirm their support for the trade agreement at this month's European Council summit, with the commission arguing countries must show they are "rowing in the same direction".
@UKIPPOOLE So Juncker seriously wants EU Leaders to reconfirm a secret EU-USA TTIP deal they haven't been allowed to see?DEATH OF DEMOCRACY!
— Douglas Unwin (@DouglasUnwin) May 31, 2016
"President Juncker feels that the time has come to ask heads of state and governments of the European Union to have a new discussion on where we are and where we want to get with these negotiations," spokesperson Daniel Rosario said.
Criticism Growing
The call for member states to pledge their support for TTIP comes amid increasing political criticism of the deal.
Under-fire French President Francois Hollande said he would reject the deal in its current state, as disagreements over agricultural issues remain a strong bone of contention between the parties.
#TTIP Germany’s Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Chancellor Angela Merkel is “wrong” on TransatlanticTrade and Investment Partnership.
— Telos A&S (@Telosaes) May 29, 2016
"There can be no question of sacrificing our interests to get a deal. Geographical indications contribute to preserving agricultural quality in our country. They help keep our farming activity on our land."
Adding to the criticism, German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel broke ranks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel over her enthusiastic support for TTIP, saying he didn't "wish to be part of a bad deal".
Fears Over TTIP Deadline
The political criticism, which has followed strong public opposition to TTIP, has led to fears an agreement may not be struck by the time US President Barack Obama leaves office in November.
Being opposed to #TTIP does not make you anti-trade. It's being against the wrong kind of trade that damages services & the planet #StopTTIP
— Joe O'Connor (@Jocser99) May 30, 2016
Pro-TTIP officials fear this could scupper the deal completely, with US Presidential candidates Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders all expressing criticism over the deal.
Proponents of TTIP say the trade deal between the US and EU will cut red tape and increase trade. However, critics say it would play into the hands of major corporations by washing away workers' rights and undermining the sovereignty of governments.
