Information meeting on EU-US Free Trade Agreement
16 March 2016, Brussels
Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs and vleva
After a word of welcome by Freddy Evens, Stakeholder Management Team Coordinator with the Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs, Kevin Verbelen, International Enterprise Policy Officer with the Flanders Department of Foreign Affairs explained the content and negotiation procedure of TTIP from a Flemish perspective. This explanation was followed by academic contributions from Prof. dr. Ferdi de Ville, UGent, who reflected on the social impact of TTIP, and Prof. dr. Jan Van Hove, KU Leuven, who reflected on the trade economic impact of TTIP.
The information meeting also allowed time for the Flemish local authorities and civil society to voice their opinions. To that end, the floor was given to Tine Heyse, alderwoman of Ghent, and Betty De Wachter from the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG). The viewpoints of the trade unions, health insurance funds, development NGOs and Test-Aankoop were explained as well, in addition to the viewpoints of Voka, UNIZO, the Belgian Farmers' Union and the Flemish Independent Film & Television Producers.
Finally, a debate was held during which replies and viewpoints were given from various angles.
The full report, the PowerPoint presentations and the viewpoints are available in the original language.