Paris Threatens to Block EU-US Talks

France is threatening to block talks on a transatlantic free-trade zone if its demands to exclude music, film and other cultural industries are not met, reports the Financial Times. France issued the ultimatum even as China and Europe are exchanging charges over unfair trade practices in solar panels and wine. The US likewise demands that all industries start on the negotiating table, pointing out that excluding a few could snowball and weaken motivation for a transatlantic trade agreement altogether: “The issue has become fraught for Brussels since many EU trade officials fear that if Europe begins ringfencing industries, the US will respond in kind,” reports the Financial Times. The proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership could represent about 30 percent of global trade and counter the rising trade clout of emerging economies. Such disagreements demonstrate Europe’s deep divisions and national self-interests that leave it so vulnerable to more organized economies. – YaleGlobal