ABSTRACT
While the transatlantic trade and investment relationship is among the most important in the world, the EU and the US differ greatly in terms of their policy and regulatory preferences. Barriers to trade are mostly “non-tariff barriers,” standards and regulations that are often the causes of political conflicts. This chapter explains the history and symbolism behind transatlantic trade relationships and explores the changing institutional landscape at the domestic level. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership’s focus on ending regulatory barriers to trade is considered in the context of legitimate differences of opinion between the EU and US on food safety and environmental regulations.
