News Summary: US-EU trade talks stumble
News Summary: Expectations for Obama launch of trade talks during European visit hit snag
In this June 11, 2013, photo, President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington. One of the big goals of President Barack Obama's upcoming trip to Europe may be in jeopardy with French objections threatening to hold up the launch of negotiations on a sweeping U.S.-European Union free trade pact. The proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has raised great expectations of boosting growth and jobs by eliminating tariffs and other barriers that have long plagued economic relations.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
TRADE TALKS SNAG?: France is raising objections that threaten to delay the start of negotiations on a sweeping U.S.-European Union free trade pact. That has been one of the big goals of President Barack Obama's upcoming trip to Europe.
THE OBJECTIVE: The proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership has raised expectations of boosting growth and jobs by eliminating tariffs and other barriers. It would create a market with common standards and regulations across countries that account for nearly half the global economy.
THE ISSUE: France is demanding an exclusion for European film, radio and TV industries — fearing the influence of Hollywood on homegrown culture. The U.S. says nothing should be taken off the table before negotiations even begin.
