Report shows corporate lobbyists dominate TiSA talks

The report shows that over 85% of meetings held by the EU trade directorate on TiSA were with private sector representatives who are pushing for deregulation and increased market access.

While politicians and proponents of the deal claim that a 'carve out' would exempt public services from the deal, the definition of public services put forward by negotiators is very narrow and would not provide an adequate level of protection. Additionally, the deal's standstill and ratchet clause would prevent governments from reversing failed privatizations and inhibit the growing trend of remunicipalisation of local public services, such as the Paris and Berlin public water supplies.

"This report only confirms what we have known since the details of this shady deal were first leaked - that TiSA is being written in the interests of multinational corporations, not in the interests of the public," said PSI General Secretary Rosa Pavanelli. "It is shocking that in 2016 we are still seeing initiatives such as TiSA which could have come straight out of the Reagan and Thatcher era. Public Services and public interest regulation are there to serve the people, not further increase the riches of the wealthy and corporations which is what TiSA would ultimately do."

Although the election of Donald Trump has put a halt on other trade deals such as the TPP, trade activists now fear that the incoming Trump administration may choose to champion the TiSA as 'their kind of deal.' due to its intense focus on deregulation, diminishing the role of the state and increasing the influence of the corporations over the public sector.