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French MEPs are discussing Wednesday the 17th of July the free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada. The global economic and trade agreement was completed in 2016, after seven years of negotiations, and entered into force for nearly two years. Thirteen countries have already ratified it in the EU, in addition to Canada. This agreement is already generating a lot of excitement.
Ceta, 1,600 pages, 30 chapters, abolishes tariffs for virtually all products traded between the European Union and Canada . It goes from metals to cars to agricultural products - beef, sugar, milk. This free trade area is about 550 million consumers and is expected by the European Commission to increase trade by 25%.
Beyond trade, it provides for the convergence of standards. Take the example of a car: if it is judged to comply with European standards, ultimately, it will have access to the Canadian market without going through a new procedure. This convergence should also apply to professional skills.
Another provision of Ceta towards the investors: the mechanisms of settlement of the disputes. They will allow companies to sue a state if they feel aggrieved by a change in legislation. This would threaten, according to the opponents, some public health policies for example or environmental.
To respond to these concerns, French MEPs must consider the establishment of a "climate veto", not yet included in the final version of the agreement.
They were around 200 on Tuesday night, politicians, NGOs and citizens to come together to say one last time their opposition to Ceta. A text that he considers unnecessary and dangerous, especially for the environment. Reportage.
These agreements seek to remove or circumvent anything that is seen as barriers to trade ...
Mobilization against the project 16/07/2019 - by RFI Play