AERZEN, Germany (AP) — President Barack Obama hopes to build momentum during a two-day visit to Germany to help push a trans-Atlantic trade deal between the U.S. and Europe over the finish line. Other issues will be on the table when Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel meet Sunday for talks, chiefly efforts to counter the Islamic State group, improve cooperation on counterterrorism measures, and encourage countries to share law enforcement information. Critics fear the erosion of consumer protections and environmental standards. Negotiators in Washington and Europe are trying to finalize key parts of the deal before the end of the year, after which Obama's successor and election campaigns in major European countries could further complicate the already difficult negotiations. Obama was likely to contrast Merkel with the Republican presidential candidates who want to block Muslims from entering the U.S. Merkel also used the occasion of Obama's visit to invite the leaders of France, Britain and Italy to Hannover on Monday for a five-way meeting where they are expected to discuss Syria, Libya, the Islamic State group, migration and other issues.