#CETA: MEPs approve the most modern trade agreement and ensure the EU’s credibility as a trade partner

After seven years of intensive negotiations, Members of the European Parliament  today (15 February) approved the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada (CETA).

Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the ALDE group, said after the vote:
"By backing the free trade agreement with Canada today, we have shown that the European Union is a credible and reliable trading partner.”
 
“President Trump has given us another good reason to intensify our links with Canada - while Trump introduces tariffs, we are not only tearing them down but also setting the highest progressive standards.”

Marietje Schaake, ALDE spokesperson on trade, added:
“Canada is the most European country outside of Europe, especially under the liberal government of Prime Minister Trudeau. After seven years of intensive negotiations, the European Parliament has finally approved a progressive agreement, which fulfils our high European standards with regards to consumer protection, to the environment and to healthcare."
 
"National governments have already approved the agreement. It is now their job to defend the agreement in front of their own parliaments. I expect ministers to do so and to make sure they fully inform parliamentarians and citizens about the benefits of CETA."

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