The new EU-US Trade and Technology (TTC) is set to hold its first meeting in Pittsburgh on Wednesday (29 September), in the shadow of the submarine dispute between France and Washington, which had put the transatlantic relationship to the test.
The summit will give Europe more clout and set standards and rules for the 21st century, the EU’s trade and digital chiefs said earlier this week, underscoring global concerns about China’s growing power.
Comments by the European Commission’s trade and economy Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and digital Vice-President Margrethe Vestager came as both sides faced off against China in areas ranging from trade to defence to technology and human rights.
“There is real strategic and geopolitical importance to this new platform as a way in setting standards and rules for the 21st century. So we need this Council to amplify our status,” Dombrovskis told reporters.
Besides Vestager and Dombrovskis, talks will also be co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai.
The Council’s 10 working groups will focus on technology standards, green technology, supply-chain security, data governance, export controls, investment screening, and global trade issues.
A draft of the joint statement expected in Pittsburg, which was leaked to EURACTIV, stresses the regulatory autonomy of both parties.
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