Topic: Karel De Gucht

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has forced the cancellation of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations in Brussels. EU Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht received an embarrassing call from U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman confirming the delay. Meanwhile, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) remains on track, potentially facilitating gas exports to Asia.

The hosts discuss the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), also known as TAFTA, as a major economic objective for the U.S. and EU. European officials describe the deal as a "game changer" that would establish the world's largest free trade zone. The hosts link the timing of the Syrian crisis to these high-stakes economic negotiations.

EU Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht announced that the Commission would continue to pursue ACTA-related proceedings despite the Parliament's negative vote. De Gucht has a controversial history, including allegations of insider trading involving Fortis Bank shares in 2008. He is also known for his candid remarks about the intentional unreadability of the Lisbon Treaty.