CETA

EU Trade Ministers today decided to postpone the decision to approve the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada. Heads of state and government will now discuss how to proceed with the controversial trade agreement at the Council meeting on Thursday and Friday (20/21 October).

Greens/EFA trade spokesperson Yannick Jadot said:

“The EU-wide civic opposition to CETA has paid off: the decision making process on CETA must now be suspended. Thanks to citizen mobilization, the critical work on CETA, and the involvement of Green and progressive MEPs, trade ministers have been prevented from pushing ahead with a deal that would serve only the narrowest possible economic interests, while putting our public services and environment at risk. Setting up parallel courts for the exclusive benefit of multinational investors (ICS) has no place in an international trade agreement.

“In the meantime, it is urgent to consult with the Court of Justice of the European Union to verify that CETA is compatible with EU treaties, especially the chapter on ICS. We remain mobilized in the European Parliament, and at all levels, to block CETA.“

Greens/EFA trade spokesperson Ska Keller added:

“We have to urgently rethink our approach to international trade agreements: the real test of a deal should be whether it improves workers’ rights, protects the environment, and enables the transition to a more sustainable and equal economy.”

Notes:

CETA is due to be signed at the EU-Canada scheduled for 27 October. Yannick Jadot, Ska Keller, and Greens/EFA co-presidents Rebecca Harms and Philippe Lamberts have written to President of the European Council, Donald Tusk to demand he suspend the decision making process for CETA. You can view the letter here: www.greens-efa.eu/fileadmin/dam/Documents/Letters/Tusk_letter_on_CETA_suspension_final.pdf

Invitation to the CETA Citizens Summit:

Ska Keller and Yannick Jadot invite you to the Citizens' CETA Summit on Thursday 20 October at 11am where over 150 guests from politics and civil society will sign a public statement against CETA. Full programme: http://ttip2016.eu/events/Press%20Event%20CETA.html