The day after the European Parliament's green light to the provisional implementation of the EU-Canada free trade agreement (CETA), Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday 16 February and defended the economic gains that this agreement should produce, as well as its progressive nature which makes it a model for future free trade agreements.
"The European Union is a truly remarkable achievement, and an unprecedented model for peaceful cooperation. Canada knows that an effective European voice on the global stage isn’t just preferable – it’s essential (...) Indeed, the whole world benefits from a strong EU", Trudeau stated from the outset to the elected representatives of a Europe in search of a fresh approach following the British referendum for the UK's departure from the EU (Brexit), and following the election of US President Donald Trump.
Calling on the EU and Canada, whose relationship is "an exemplary demonstration of international collaboration", Trudeau said: "We must choose to lead the international economy, not simply be subjected to its whims". "And we know that the state has an important role to play in helping to create the right conditions for progress" the Liberal prime minister continued, saying he believed CETA would become "the blueprint for future trade deals of this magnitude and complexity".
CETA will result in "the creation of good, well-paying jobs for middle class workers. It will put food on the table for families, and help grow and strengthen our communities"; it will bring new market opportunities for SMEs, and greater predictability and transparency for workers from services such as engineering, architecture, and information technology when dealing with international clients, Trudeau stated.
Furthermore, CETA is a "a comprehensive blueprint for responsible economic cooperation between countries", which is "about making people’s lives better", Trudeau continued. "This modern, forward-looking agreement reflects a truly progressive trade agenda – one that protects the ability of societies to promote the public good", he said, stating that "within CETA there are provisions for labour protection, for responsible investment practices, for food and consumer safety, for forest, fishery, and aquaculture management, and for strong environmental stewardship".
"This really is one of the most sustainable, progressive trade agreements in the world. And with it, Canada and the European Union have made history. For Canada and the European Union, the best is yet to come", the Canadian prime minister concluded.
European Parliament's green light to EU-Canada strategic partnership agreement. In addition to its consent to the implementation of CETA (see EUROPE 11726), the European Parliament gave its consent (by 506 votes in favour, 142 against and 43 abstentions) on Wednesday 15 February, to the EU-Canada strategic partnership agreement that was sealed in 2014 (see EUROPE 11151). This agreement is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on a wide range of non-trade issues such as foreign and security policy, the fight against terrorism, the fight against organised crime, sustainable development, research and culture. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)