TTIP should include fair investor-state dispute settlement

Reacting to the European Commission’s proposal on investment protection and an investment court system in TTIP BUSINESSEUROPE stressed that EU investors should have a non-discriminatory, fair and efficient system of investment protection (ISDS) as part of the transatlantic trade and investment agreement (TTIP). Investors need clearer definitions, a mechanism to prevent frivolous claims and stricter rules for the arbitrators. Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BUSINESSEUROPE said: “For us it is critical to ensure that investors will not be denied access to justice and to a fair and equitable treatment regardless of their nationality or size.” However, the ‘Loser Pays Principle’ would be an unnecessary duplication and might prevent investors, particularly SMEs, from using the mechanism , he added.