The EU-US negotiations to reach a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the EU’s largest export partner remain vexed. Secretary of State John Kerry optimistically hoped to reach an agreement by the end of the year. With a seemingly protectionist President-elect and public concern in Europe, it is difficult to see how progress will be made until we know more about Trump in office and the outcome of French and German national elections, writes Catherine Feore.