In These New Times

“The UK was seen as one of the strongest supporters of TTIP in the EU, so its departure following the Brexit vote would remove one of the US’s closest allies in the talks.” 

Brexit is accelerating the uncoupling of Europe and the USA and the emergence of an independent Europe. In this sense, Brexit has been entirely salutary. Contrary to the myths pedalled by the Brexit camp, Britain has exerted great influence inside Europe- but it has been largely negative. If Britain now seeks a trade deal with the USA they will be in weak bargaining position and if it any ways resembles TTIP that will render a trade deal with Europe even more difficult than it would be anyway. In trying to negotiate trade deals with conflicting blocks our dilemma is worryingly reminiscent of that of Ukraine. Ukraine’s interests lay with the Eurasian free trade area but her “identity” pushed her towards the chimera of a deal with the EU.

Independent

28th August, 2016

The free trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States have failed, but “nobody is really admitting it”, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has said.