TY - JOUR T1 - The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: Trojan horse or positive force for health? JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J SP - 22 LP - 25 DO - 10.1183/13993003.00598-2015 VL - 46 IS - 1 AU - Marine Faure AU - Brian Ward Y1 - 2015/07/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/1/22.abstract N2 - For centuries, Greek mythology strove to reflect human behaviour through its myths. One of the more well-known myths is that of the Trojan horse, a poisoned chalice offered to the Trojans in which the Greeks were hidden to invade the city, and which has come to symbolise human deceit. Today, this link between the myth and actual facts is in the limelight with respect to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), which is currently being negotiated between the European Union (EU) and the USA. Some see the EU citizens as the trapped Trojans and the EU and the USA leaders as the cunning Greeks. Roughly speaking, the TTIP aims at removing trade barriers (tariffs, unnecessary regulations and restrictions on investments etc.) in a wide range of economic sectors including health. The purpose is to facilitate the purchase and sale of goods and services between the EU and the USA, as well as to facilitate the investment of companies [1]. On the one hand, proponents guarantee that the treaty will be the opportunity to create growth and employment and promote healthcare in a Eurozone still struggling [2]. On the other hand, opponents argue it could lower the health protection standards of Europeans and challenge the right of the EU to regulate. While the public debate remains heated, it is crucial to consider both sides in order to understand the potential benefits and risks from the TTIP for the European health community. This piece aims to set out the most controversial elements and how they may impact on the health care system.Is the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) a Trojan horse or a positive for health? http://ow.ly/NOVdp ER -