Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Wallonia’s blocking Canada-EU trade deal

Wallonia province in Belgium continues to block the trade deal negotiated between Canada and the European Union.

Trade ministers from across Europe were unable to persuade Wallonia’s politicians to change their mind, so now it’s up to the European leaders.

They will be meeting this week, preparing for a visit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who will be flying to Europe, hoping to sign the deal.

The Europeans say there is still time to achieve the unanimous approval required for the European Union to sign the deal.


Belgium’s constitution requires approval from its three provincial governments.

Wallonia is a French-speaking area. Is there a coincidence that Canada's French-speaking province's dairy farmers have been the most outspoken critics of free trade deals?