| Author (Corporate) | European Parliament |
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| Series Title | Press Release |
| Series Details | 15.02.17 |
| Publication Date | 15/02/2017 |
| Content Type | News |
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Abstract: The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aimed to boost goods and services trade and investment flows, was approved by the European Parliament on the 15 February 2017. The deal was approved by 408 votes to 254, with 33 abstentions. The European Commission welcomed the vote. Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said: 'This vote is the start of a new era in EU-Canada relations - together we are sending a strong signal today. By building bridges rather than walls, we can face the challenges that confront our societies together. In these uncertain times, with rising protectionism around the world, CETA underlines our strong commitment to sustainable trade'. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who came to Strasbourg for the vote, welcomed the European Parliament’s approval. He said 'CETA sets a new bar for progressive trade agreements that create good, middle class jobs, give consumers more choice, and protect both workers and the environment'. There were significant scenes of protest outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg from those who opposed the Agreement. The landmark trade deal could apply provisionally from April 2017. As CETA was declared a mixed agreement by the European Commission in July 2016, it would also need to be ratified by national and regional parliaments, which in some cases could pose problems. Members of the European Parliament also gave their consent to the conclusion of an EU-Canada Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). Complementing the CETA, this deal aimed to step up EU-Canada bilateral cooperation on a wide range of non-trade issues such as foreign and security policy, counter-terrorism, fighting organised crime, sustainable development, research and culture. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20170209IPR61728/ |
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| Subject Categories | Trade |
| Countries / Regions | Canada, Europe |
