U.S, Europe Resuming Talks on New Trade Pact

The United States and the European Union, which already enjoy the world's biggest business relationship, are resuming talks on a deal to further grow two-way trade and investment.

The negotiations take place against the backdrop of European pique over reported U.S. electronic espionage, and were delayed due to the U.S. government shutdown. But officials for both sides say the benefits of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership are too great for the talks to be affected.

The week-long bargaining session in Brussels is expected to discuss services, investment, energy and raw materials, and regulatory issues. The chief negotiators, Dan Mullaney of the United States and Ignacio Garcia Bercero of the EU, shook hands for the cameras on Monday morning before getting the talks underway.