Last Published: 7/16/2016

Created by a joint framework for advancing transatlantic economic cooperation, the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC) is the primary plenary forum for economic dialogue between the United States and the European Union. The TEC works to facilitate agreement on a wide range of economically important issues managed through its Current Workplan. Meeting at least once per year, the co-chairs of the TEC – White House Deputy National Special Advisor for International Economic Affairs and European Commission Vice President for Trade – promote dialogue and agreement to further integrate the transatlantic economies. Across a spectrum of interrelated issues, the TEC seeks to eliminate trade barriers, implement best practices, harmonize standards, and develop market access.

Established in 2005, the Transatlantic Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Working Group (previously known as the U.S.-EU IPR Working Group) coordinates in three main areas under the U.S.-EU IPR Action Strategy: engagement on IPR issues in third countries, customs cooperation, and public-private partnerships.  The U.S. delegation is co-chaired by the U.S. Trade Representative's Office and the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration.  The EU delegation is chaired by the Directorates General for Trade.   The Working Group holds regular meetings.