WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, both French President Francois Hollande and German Economic Affairs Minister Sigmar Gabriel suggested that it would not be possible to conclude the TTIP agreement before the end of the year.
"The European Commission and EU member state leaders have clearly reiterated their commitment to moving negotiations forward. We share that commitment and throughout the summer the United States has been focused on identifying pathways to an agreement that address the priorities of both sides," McAlvanah said. "Ambassador [Michael] Froman is looking forward to continuing that work when he meets with EU Trade Commissioner [Cecilia] Malmstrom in the coming weeks."
According to Gabriel, the TTIP negotiations had effectively failed as Brussels has refused to go along with some of Washington’s demands that could violate environmental legislation, banking procedures and investment rights.
US government has started the discussions over the free trade zone with the European Union in 2013. The details of the TTIP deal including specific rules of market access have not been released the public.
