Transatlantic Trade Negotiations: Revisiting the Coherence-Effectiveness Nexus

Existing research investigates the impact of internal coherence on EU effectiveness in global economic governance. In particular, it shows that the more cohesive (united) the EU presents itself to the world, the more effective it is in achieving its goals. I argue and demonstrate empirically that the positive relationship between effectiveness and coherence holds for the negotiation of bilateral trade agreements. But I add four qualifications to the conventional wisdom that unity makes the strength: leadership deficit on the Commission side; disunity among involved actors; incoherent mandates; and the politicization of the EU trade policy. This argument will be then illustrated by focusing on the three first years of TTIP negotiations. The findings contribute to the literature on EU trade governance and the causes and consequences of internal coherence.