Belgium reaches deal to back EU-Canada free trade deal

A landmark proposed free trade deal between the EU and Canada could be signed within days after the Belgian government overcame an impasse with its regional authorities.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said that the national government had reached an “agreement” with the region of Wallonia, which had held a veto over the country’s ability to back the CETA deal.

“All parliaments are now able to approve by tomorrow at midnight. Important step fro EU and Canada,” Michel tweeted.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had been due to travel to Brussels on Thursday to sign the deal, but those plans had to be cancelled as negotiations with Wallonia dragged on.

EU Council President Donald Tusk said he would only contact Trudeau “once all procedures are finalized for EU signing CETA”. Trudeau earlier told Canada’s Parliament that he is “confident” that negotiations will reach a “positive outcome in the coming days”.

Wallonia, a staunchly socialist region of around 3.6 million people, had demanded stronger safeguards on labour, environmental and consumer standards. Proponents of CETA argue it will yield billions in added trade through tariff and customs cuts and other measures to lower barriers to commerce. The EU has insisted that the region’s strong safeguards on social, environmental and labour issues will be maintained.