What next TTIP? – Onet.pl

This week in Brussels last 14th round of negotiations on. Transatlantic Partnership in Trade and Investment (TTIP) between the European Union and the United States. Just before her EU side presented its proposals, including provisions on energy. According to PAP from EU sources indicate that the US does not want a separate chapter, and disperse energy issues in different departments.

For the Polish particularly important topic. Polish politicians and experts on this subject has long advocated a separate chapter in the agreement, which would include energy carriers. Poland counts on the fact that, thanks to the liberalization of access to raw materials from the US could bring such. Shale gas, reducing dependence on Russia. Revolution slate overseas led to a reduction in energy prices and contributed to the development of the industry.

By the restrictions in the US Europe almost did not benefit from the low prices of US natural gas. Although there are some signs of change in the approach of the US, it is still not certain if the country decides to fully open the market for importers from the Old Continent. Today you need to licenses where recovery is time consuming. In addition, analysts argue as to what proportion of gas supplies from the United States will go to Europe instead of Asia, where demand is growing and the blue fuel will probably sell for higher prices.

the conclusion of the EU-US free trade agreement already improve the situation, but to save the agreement that importers from Europe could count on the same prices as the companies from the USA, it would be very good news.

Americans are so far cautious when issuing licenses for export of gas, because fear that too wide “open the door” would lead to higher prices on the market. This in turn would hit the competitiveness of their industry.

Meanwhile, the European Commission’s proposal provides, inter alia, that none of the parties to the agreement may not introduce higher prices for export, eg. by means of a license, than those for domestic customers.

it assumes also the liberalization of bilateral trade in goods, services and investments in the area of ​​energy and raw materials rare. Both parties will be able, however, retain the right to adopt the measures necessary for the implementation of policies, for example. Security of supply of energy carriers, environmental protection, public health and safety.

the EU proposal also provides for third party access to transmission systems, eg. gas pipelines, regardless of whether the company is from the US, or the EU. Excluded is to be any discrimination in this respect.

The mere presentation of records does not determine whether or not they agree to United States. Negotiating tactic, which resulted from the previously disclosed documents, indicates that the first proposals can be difficult to accept for the other side.

“Americans do not agree on the chapter on energy because they do not have it in other free trade agreements,” – said the PAP anonymity EC official close to the negotiations.

In his opinion, it is still possible to achieve the abolition of licenses for export of energy resources, because the Americans usually offer such a concession partners with whom they have a free trade agreement. “They understand that it’s important for us” – drew attention to the caller PAP. The end of talks in the framework of this round of negotiations is scheduled for Friday.