International News

BRATISLAVA, (MILLAT+APP/AFP) – EU member states unanimously back a far-reaching free trade deal with Canada and will formally endorse the accord next month, an EU official said on Friday.
“We are heading to an extra council of ministers on the 18th of October where ministers will formally endorse a deal, so that we can sign with Canada on October 27,” the official said on the sidelines of EU trade talks in Bratislava.
“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will not come to Brussels (in October) to go home empty handed,” said the official, who asked not to be named.
The Canada free trade deal, known as CETA, was formally concluded in 2014 but has since faced fierce opposition delaying implementation.
In Europe, opposition has centred on the effects of globalisation and fears that trade deals grant too much power to big business at the expense of citizens.
Activists also charge that the Canada deal will set a dangerous precedent and open the way for a similar but far more ambitious agreement with the United States.
Before the ministers meet in October, the European Commission will draw up a “legally binding” declaration intended to soothe lingering worries in certain countries, including Germany and Austria, officials said.
“The Commission has promised to clarify some important concerns,” German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said as he left the talks in Bratislava.
“We had a very good discussion,” added Gabriel, whose Socialist Party only reluctantly endorsed the deal earlier this month.