EU, US to resume free trade talks after shutdown

The European Union said the free trade negotiations with the United States will resume next week to make up for a round of talks that was canceled because of the U.S. government shutdown. According to AP, the talks, initially scheduled for early October, come amid heightened political tension between the two economic giants because of European anger over the allegedly widespread online spying activities by the U.S. National Security Agency. The European Commission said Monday the talks in Brussels next week are set to focus on services, investment, energy and regulatory issues. The third round of talks will take place in Washington late next month.