Today, the European Parliament’s trade committee backed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada (CETA). Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament welcome that the agreement is now one step closer to its entry into force.
ALDE leader Guy Verhofstadt commented after the vote:
„In the light of President Trump’s many comments on trade policy and his cancellation of the Trans-Pacific-Partnership (TPP) yesterday, it is now more important than ever that there is no further delay in the approval of CETA. We have to forge alliances with Canada and other partners in the world. The EU and Canada must work together to strengthen the multilateral system.”
MEP Marietje Schaake, ALDE trade spokesperson, added:
“CETA is the most modern and progressive agreement that the EU has ever negotiated. We need to make sure that this agreement with the liberal Trudeau government comes into effect as soon as possible.”
“Tariffs will be removed and procedures will be simplified, less bureaucratic and more predictable. Europeans will be able to bid for more Canadian public contracts, which is a crucial benefit. The Canadian economy is bigger than the Russian economy and a of great importance for Europe. Together with the Canadians, we can work to strengthen the global rules-based trade system and promote high standards worldwide.”
