WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. and European negotiators took a major step forward in addressing challenges to a TransAtlantic economic partnership, the EU trade commissioner said.
European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht met in Washington with Michael Froman, the U.S. representative for TransAtlantic trade talks, to discuss a partnership agreement.
De Gucht described bilateral trade as the "highway" of economic activity worldwide, though more foreign direct investment and economic opportunities are presented with a series of challenges.
Last week, members of Civil Liberties Committee in the European Parliament said there was a trust deficit hanging over the trade agreement because of a U.S. cyberespionage campaign, the details of which were leaked to the media last year by Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the National Security Agency.
Nevertheless, De Gucht said in a statement Monday sitting down at the negotiating table was a "big step forward" in allaying lingering concerns.
Both sides have expressed reluctance over increased trade, with U.S. officials skeptical of the benefits and EU delegates wary of the potential damage to consumer and environmental protection laws.
"This is a good opportunity for us to work through some of those initial issues and determine how best to move forward, to maintain the momentum and move toward a conclusion of these negotiations," Froman said.
