The upcoming year is expected to be a busy one for EU trade negotiations, with the 28-nation bloc aiming to conclude talks for a trade and investment deal with the US before the end of the Obama presidency, while setting in motion various other processes with countries around the globe – all amid an uncertain economic and political landscape. During a speech in Berlin late last week, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström outlined plans to advance the bloc’s existing and new trade agenda, stressing that one of the key areas for making progress would be the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations with Washington. “The EU is ready to finish this agreement under the Obama Administration. We have the political and human resources to do that. However, the US must also be prepared to commit if we are to get a result,” said Malmström. Washington and Brussels have held eleven negotiating rounds to date since the talks first began in 2013. Following the latest round in October 2015, US officials also confirmed their interest in finishing the negotiations before US President Barack Obama leaves office. (See Bridges Weekly, 29 October 2015 ) Obama’s term is slated to end in...