Before talks on a broad trade agreement begin – U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk says U.S. and European Union negotiators need to focus on issues where economic relations can be improved immediately. Kirk says mutual, urgent needs to enhance growth and employment compel them to identify a short path to success before launching the negotiations. EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht has proposed completion of negotiations for a trade deal by the middle of 2014. Kirk notes many in Europe have voiced strong support for a comprehensive free trade agreement as a single undertaking. He says the U.S. wants to ensure the outcomes are at least as broad and ambitious as those contained in existing agreements.