TTIP Statement by Visegrad Members of the European Parliament 08 July 2015

We, the undersigned Members of the European Parliament from the Visegrad group, support the negotiations of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the European Union and the United States of America. We believe that this agreement can yield significant economic and geopolitical benefits to our region.

The total trade value between the USA and our countries – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia – amounted to more than 25 billion US dollars in 2014 (U.S. Census Bureau, total trade, 2014). Trade and U.S. investment could multiply prosperity in Europe several times over if we properly address both the offensive and defensive interests of the European Union. We must bear in mind that international trade is a vital tool for growth and investment for our region. It has been crucial for the transformation of our societies from isolation and economic mismanagement into members of the European Union and equal partners with the United States.

By creating a common transatlantic market space of 850 million citizens, our companies and workers will benefit from one system of rules and regulations in the most affluent market in the world.

Beyond mere economics, we, the representatives of the Visegrad nations, recognise the geopolitical importance of this economic partnership. TTIP is the natural extension of our strategic partnership, and strengthening our economies will also make available the resources needed to withstand common threats.

We support all efforts to conclude this historical agreement by putting aside domestic politics, mercantilism or protectionism, and call on the negotiators to reach an outcome that balances the economic and geopolitical advantages with legitimate trade concerns. The final agreement must be mutually beneficial to all our countries in order to provide for the broadest support from business groups and civil society.

We are aware that the future deal offers an opportunity for both the EU and the US, acting together, to influence globalisation and global standards. We would like to bring a renewed impetus to multilateral negotiations, which are currently close to a stalemate.

We, the Visegrad nations, have enjoyed peace and prosperity since 1989 because we seized the opportunities presented to us and embraced a future which was then unknown. In this spirit, we ask all sides to work for an ambitious agreement that will serve future generations.

Dita Charanzová, Member of the European Parliament, Czech Republic Danuta Hübner, Member of the European Parliament, Poland
György Schöpflin, Member of the European Parliament, Hungary
Ivan Štefanec, Member of the European Parliament, Slovakia

TTIP Statement by Visegrad Members of the European Parliament 08 July 2015