Speaking to mostly sceptical Senators, European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan praised the merits of CETA, the economic and trade agreement with Canada. The Dutch Senate ('Eerste kamer') could actually refuse to ratify the agreement, inflicting an unprecedented blow to European trade policy (see EUROPE 12428/19).
The Commissioner drew the attention of the Dutch deputies to the economic benefits already derived from the agreement by the country and especially by its farmers, who are very hostile to the agreement. While European imports of Canadian agri-food products have actually decreased by 10% since the provisional application of the Treaty, "the EU has maintained and, in fact, increased its trade surplus with Canada", which has become the 7th most important destination for European agricultural exports.
Above all, however, Mr. Hogan stressed the "progressive" dimension of CETA, which "also provides the framework to move towards a green transition, improved gender equality, and improved participation of small businesses".
Traditionally a bastion of free trade, the Netherlands has in recent years seen an increase in the hostility of its citizens to free trade agreements.
Recently, The Hague has also collaborated with Paris to propose a new direction favouring a fairer European trade policy that respects European values (see EUROPE 12480/14). A document that revealed a widening gap with the European Commission's trade negotiation agenda.
The date for the vote has not yet been set. (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)