France: US-EU trade deal blocked, probably doomed

May 3, 2016 at 5:22 a.m. | Updated May 3, 2016 at 5:30 a.m.

by Associated Press

People read documents on the Trans-Atlantic talks to create a massive free trade zone between the United States and the European Union in a 'TTIP reading room' set up by Greenpeace in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, Monday, May 2, 2016. Greenpeace released confidential negotiating texts that the environmental group claims shows U.S. ill intent. (AP Photo/Ferdinand Ostrop)
People read documents on the Trans-Atlantic talks to create a massive free trade zone between the United States and the European Union in a 'TTIP reading room' set up by Greenpeace in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, Monday, May 2, 2016. Greenpeace released confidential negotiating texts that the environmental group claims shows U.S. ill intent. (AP Photo/Ferdinand Ostrop)

PARIS (AP) - France's trade minister says a huge free trade deal between the U.S. and Europe is probably doomed, and France would reject the current version because it's too friendly to U.S. business.

Matthias Fekl told Europe-1 radio Tuesday that negotiations "are totally blocked" and a halt to talks "is the most probable option." He insisted on better farming and environmental protections, and said "in its current state, France cannot sign it."

He spoke amid signs of trouble over the creation of a Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a U.S.-EU free trade zone encompassing half the world economy. Major disagreements remain after a 13th round of talks last week, and the U.S. election campaign is complicating negotiations.

Fekl argued that "Europe is giving a lot ... but receiving very little in return."

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