Can the EU-Canada CETA trade deal be saved?
The EU trade deal with Canada is at risk following objections from the French-speaking parliament in Belgium.
It’s the classic tale of David versus Goliath. Wallonia is the French-speaking region of Belgium.
The European Union has a population 99 percent larger. But Wallonia appears to be winning its argument.
The tiny population has rejected a trade deal between Canada and the EU, known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
In doing so, Wallonia derailed an agreement seven years in the making – which has the approval of every other country in the EU.
Opposition to the deal spread across Belgium after Wallonians complained.
Although Belgian government leaders support the deal, they say they can’t approve it without support from the people.
So will the deal be renegotiated? And how does it affect the worldwide reputation of the EU?
Presenter: Dareen Abughaida
Guests:
Fabian Flues – Friends of the Earth Europe
Scott Sinclair – Senior Fellow, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Hosuk Lee-Makiyama – Director, European Centre for International Political Economy