TTIP has the potential to be a forum which sets 21st century trade rules, but needs more attention and support from the highest levels of government

An attempt to create a free trade area between the European Union and the United States was officially launched at the G8 Summit in Northern Ireland in June 2013. The project is called “TTIP” – the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. President Obama, Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Cameron are key supporters. But after one year of negotiations and debate, is TTIP likely to get off the ground? Dennis Novy argues that TTIP is a long-run project that will likely take several years to complete. It might falter if there is not enough political support from the top echelons of government.