CETA Ratification Pivotal to Future of EU Trade Agenda

Today (14^th February 2017) on the eve of the European Parliament’s crucial vote on the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada, Chambers Ireland and national Chambers from across Europe call on EU leaders and governments to stand firmly in favor of an inclusive and forward-looking EU trade agenda, while also warning that recent complications around the deal have highlighted that the effectiveness of the EU’s common commercial policy is at stake.

Speaking today, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, “The world trading order is under enormous strain, with growing public opposition to free trade and moves by some governments towards increasingly protectionist policies.  It is now more important than ever that the EU supports an ambitious, inclusive and forward-looking common commercial policy.  The adoption of CETA by the European Parliament would send a positive message to the world that Europe stands for free, fair and inclusive trade.”

“CETA has added importance given the unprecedented levels of uncertainty about global trade and the even the future of the rules-based international trading system. Today, Chambers of Commerce from across Europe come together to call on MEPs to ratify CETA but also to revive long delayed negotiations with partners in key emerging markets that will protect European businesses and citizens from the consequences of unfair trade”.

“Free and fair trade has long been a cornerstone of the EU and it is important that we continue to promote and develop these markets and policies to protect our businesses and their futures” commented Brian O’Farrell, CEO of County Carlow Chamber.

The European Chambers’ Joint Declaration on International Trade can be downloaded from: http://bit.ly/2l0JGRV