The EU and Canada sign historic CETA trade treaty

[webfact]

The EU and Canada sign historic CETA trade treaty

 

 

It was an historic moment in Brussels

 

BRUSSELS: -- After seven years of negotiations, the European Union and Canada signed the landmark Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) on Sunday (October 30).

 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined European Council President Donald Tusk and other EU officials in the Belgian capital, after weeks of uncertainty following opposition to the treaty from within Belgium.

 

Tusk said putting the deal into practice would be the best way to learn from it.

 

“For our citizens, I have no doubt that the so-called provisional application, the implementation […] will be the best form of education. Much better than persuasion or words. And this is for me the main ground of our very cautious optimism,” he told a press conference after the signing of the treaty.

 

The 28 EU member states reached the consensus needed on Friday (October 28). Each of the nations had to endorse CETA for it to be finalised.

 

“Small business, consumers, will start to feel the benefits of this immediately, even before all the 28 different parliaments proceed with their ratification steps, for that final step,” said Trudeau.

 

“So, we are confident that demonstrating that trade is good for the middle class and those working hard to join it throughout the region, we’ll make sure that everyone gets that this is a good thing for our economies, but is also a good example to the world.”

 

It is hoped the deal, which removes 98 percent of tariffs, will bring a trade increase worth some 10.9 billion euros per year.

 

EU exporters are expected to save up to 500 million euros in duties annually.

 

Not entirely smooth sailing

 

Dramatic scenes took place outside the European Council in Brussels ahead of the signing pact.

 

A group of protesters managed to enter a restricted area to demonstrate against the deal.

 

Around 15 people were taken away by police.

 

Those opposing the agreement say they fear it will weaken existing standards and regulations on health, safety, environmental protection and workers’ rights.

 

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-10-31

[Caveat Emptor]

Am I being overcritical by suggesting everything Trudeau does reeks of seeking publicity ?

[BuaBS]

Another win for globalisme and corperate capitalisme .

[Kiwiken]

Yes and local Industry and the populaces will suffer. higher Drug and medical costs and less control of your own country. Free Trade Agreements are not free as they always tend to favour one of the other. only the rich get benefits

[timber]

It appears that most the world is negative when it comes to globalization.  I you could be a little bit more positive then maybe the world will be a little positive.  The idea is to do a little good every day and the world will be a better place, not a Trump says, "If I trip that old lady I can take her cane."

[elgordo38]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

trade is good for the middle class and those working hard to join it throughout the region, we’ll make sure that everyone gets that this is a good thing for our economies, but is also a good example to the world.”

Tusk Tusk Donald I think your nose is growing. How has NAFTA worked? sucked no sorry sucking the sound of jobs disappearing to Mexico the big winner with low paid workers a big business dream a controllable/malleable work force. Are these people actually independent individuals or just a herded/managed workforce provided by the government. I always remember what a great job Mexico did for young ladies who traveled great distances to work in the low paying Maqiladores on the border. They daily risked their life to get to work and back mostly in the dark. 100's of them disappeared and the government did little. If the TPP is such a good deal why is it not being signed? Citizen backlash a bad election issue now? Yes governments have a sheeple barometer of sorts. Our desires are sometimes taken into consideration especially around election time. 

[ilostmypassword]

6 hours ago, Caveat Emptor said:

Am I being overcritical by suggesting everything Trudeau does reeks of seeking publicity ?

Yes.