EU-Canada trade agreement of great importance for Flanders

In the federal parliament, the N-VA has in the past already supported the resolution in which the majority expressed itself in favour of the TTIP trade agreement with the USA. Today, the N-VA is also calling for support for the CETA trade agreement between the EU and Canada. Wallonia is the lone voice of protest against that agreement, but in so doing prevents Belgium from granting its consent as a Member State. “While all over Europe political ranks are closing and everyone seems to see the value of CETA, the Walloon government is endangering the whole agreement with its attitude,” says the N-VA. “In this regard Wallonia is taking Flanders hostage, a Flanders which maintains important trade links with Canada.”

Now that a political majority has been found in the socialist SPD in Germany for supporting the CETA agreement, the biggest obstacle seems to have been overcome. In principle, the agreement can be signed at the EU-Canada summit on 27 October, to enter into force at the start of next year. “But with its stubbornness, the Walloon government is holding Flemish jobs hostage, along with our credibility in Europe. Flemish exports to Canada make up 87% of Belgian exports, while imports to Flanders are as much as 97% (or nearly) of total imports in Belgium. The non-ratification of this agreement in Belgium is a threat to the economy and welfare of Flanders,” the N-VA warns.

Good for Europe, but above all for Flanders

For the European Union, the larger TTIP transatlantic trade agreement is important both economically and geopolitically: the European Commission is expecting growth of 120 billion euros a year for the EU alone. And the conclusion of this partnership means a renewed strategic alliance for both parties.

As an open economy, dependent on foreign trade, Flanders in particular has a lot to gain from a well-negotiated TTIP agreement. Given the share of the USA in our exports, an ambitious agreement is a must and an important guarantee for the revival of our economy. For example, the TTIP offers enormous opportunities for dredging companies such as Jan De Nul and DEME, which are currently are prohibited from operating in the USA, as well as for the Flemish ports and the petrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors. “And let us not forget the small and medium-sized enterprises, because Flanders is the definition of an SME region,” the N-VA notes. “So we are delighted that the TTIP agreement will include a specific chapter dedicated to SMEs.”

Maximum transparency

“Our support for the principle of free trade doesn’t detract from the fact that we as a party understand and share the concerns of citizens to a high degree,” the N-VA concludes. “In further negotiations, the demand for transparency must be met to the greatest possible extent, and any agreement may not weaken the European standards.”