EU Lawmakers Finally Given Access to Restricted TTIP Documents

Until now, only a limited number of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) — believed to be around 30 — have until today been able to access TTIP consolidated documents classified as EU-restricted, due to their sensitivity for the EU and the US — the so-called "consolidated texts" reflecting the draft compromises between the EU and the US.

Critics have slammed the secrecy of the negotiations which they say have been dominated by lobbyists on behalf of multinational companies keen to see the TTIP loosen state controls over industry regulations and standards.

"On a range of issues, from food safety standards and animal welfare to public services and financial regulation, there are deep concerns that the harmonization of standards across the Atlantic really means a reduction of standards on both sides," said MEP Molly Scott Cato.

Open Secret

However, after a deal brokered between the European Parliament and the European Commission, all MEPs will now have access to all categories of confidential documents relating to the EU's TTIP talks with the US. 

"Eleven months of negotiations with the Commission have paid off. The result is a big win for the European Parliament — all MEPs will now be able to exercise their duty of democratic scrutiny of the TTIP talks," said the Parliament's Trade Committee chair Bernd Lange, who led the negotiations.

The sting in the tail is that the agreement nonetheless ensures that "the confidential nature of this information is not compromised, so as to protect EU interests and avoid weakening the EU's negotiating position" a statement said.

"Comprehensive access will be subject to the security rules governing access to confidential documents."