CETA: European parliamentarians support EU-Canada trade agreement

On Wednesday, the European Parliament (EP) supported the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Its objective is to promote trade and investment in goods and services. Provisional this substantive agreement will enter into force in April 2017.
By accepting CETA, we choose openness, growth and high standards instead of protectionism and stagnation. Canada and I have similar values and it is a partner we can rely on. Together we can “build bridges” - the welfare of our citizens! CETA will be a “beacon” for future trade transactions worldwide, ”after the vote, CETA's mep Artis Pabriks (EPP, Latvia) said.
The agreement was supported by 408 votes in favour, 254 against and 33 meps abstained.
Promoting trade
CETA will cancel fees for the most frequently traded goods and services. Similarly, certificates for a wide range of products will be mutually recognised. Canada will also open its public procurement market, which is already open to Europe - EU service providers from shipping, telecommunications and engineering to environmental and accounting will have access to the Canadian market.
Protecting agriculture and social standards
IN CETA negotiations, the European Union provided protection in the Canadian market 140 European geographical origin food and drink. Sustainable development standards are included in order to protect environmental and social standards and to ensure that trade and investment are even encouraged.
In order to alleviate the concern of citizens that the deal gives too much power to international companies and that governments will not have the opportunity to protect health, safety and the environment with their laws, the EU and Canada confirm the right of local self-regulation in the preamble of CETA and in the declaration annexed thereto.
Exceptions
CETA will not abolish fees for public, audiovisual and transport services and also for certain agricultural products such as milk, poultry meat and eggs.
More transparent investment protection
In response to the European parliamentary pressures, the controversial investor-state dispute settlement mechanism was replaced by: Investment court systemto ensure government control over arbitrators and enhanced transparency.
EU-Canada Strategic Partnership Agreement
Meps also gave their agreement to the EU-Canada Strategic Partnership Agreement. Complementing CETA, the purpose of this deal is to promote bilateral cooperation between the EU-Canada on non-trade issues such as external and security policy, the fight against terrorism and organised crime, sustainable development, research and culture. It was adopted by 506 votes to 142 with 43 abstentions.
Next steps
Provisional CETA will be in force on the first day of the month following the date on which the parties have informed each other of the completion of the internal procedures. Meps as the earliest possible date foresee 1 April 2017.
Whereas the European Commission adopted it in July 2016 qualified as an agreement shared responsibility, it must also be approved by national and regional parliaments.
By clicking on words, you can watch meps' comments in the last debate before the vote:
Artis Pabriks, rapporteur (EPP, Latvia)
Charles Tannock (ECR, Uk)
Charles Tannock (AFET) (ECR, Uk)
Georgi Pirinski (EMPL) (S & D, Bulgaria)
Bart Staes (ENVI) (Green/ALE, Belgium)
Cecilia Malmstrom, EU Trade Commissioner
Manfred Weber (EPP, Germany)
Gianni Pittella (S & D, Italy)
Syed Kamall (ECR, Uk)
Marietje Schaake (ALDE, Netherlands)
Anne-Marie Minneapur (GUE/NGL, Netherlands)
YAnnick Jadot (Green/ALE, France)
Tiziana Beghin (EFDD, Italy)
Marine le Pen (ENF, France)
Konstantinos Papadakis (NI, Greece)
Background information
Negotiations on CETA began in May 2009 and concluded in September 2014. THE EU-Canada Agreement was signed on 30 October 2016. In 2015, THE EU imported goods by 28,3 billion euro from Canada, while exports amounted to eur 35,2 billion - it is planned that this figure will increase by 20% as a result of the agreement.