High praise for CETA from European Commission head at G20

September 8, 2016

The president of the European Commission told the G20 summit that Europe’s free trade deal with Canada, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), is the “best and most-progressive” trade agreement the EU has ever negotiated.

Speaking at the G20 on Sunday in China, Jean-Claude Juncker said the agreement deserved the full support of the EU’s member states and rapid ratification.

“Our new trade deal with Canada – CETA – is the best and most-progressive agreement we have ever, as a European Union, negotiated,” Juncker told reporters in Hangzhou. After the meeting Juncker tweeted:

“w/JustinTrudeau at #G20. #CETA is best agreement we ever negotiated. It deserves full support of our Member States.“

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to Juncker’s tweet:

“Thank you, Jean-Claude. Canada is ready to work with the EU to build strong economies on both sides of the Atlantic.“

Ahead of the G20, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged his peers to be open to trade as isolationism does nothing to create economic growth. Canada and the EU have committed to signing the agreement this year with ratification in 2017, however, Austria, Germany and other EU countries are opposed to the agreement. If a provisional agreement is signed, 90% of CETA could be implemented before member states have an opportunity to vote on the deal.

International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland has stated once ratified, the agreement will provide better access to more than 400 million people in the EU. The Minister also tweeted earlier this week:

“#Canada and #EU are committed to passing #CETA, a progressive example for the world.“

Following are key upcoming events pertaining to CETA:

For more information please call Brian Rowe, General Manager – Customs Consulting Services at (905) 882-4880.