Foreign Affairs Council, 18/10/2016, 18 October 2016

Main results

The Council discussed the signature and provisional application of the comprehensive economic and trade agreement with Canada (CETA). The meeting was an important step in addressing the remaining issues and moving towards a common agreement. 

Ministers expressed overwhelming support, with only one member state not being in a position to support the decision at this time. The presidency and the Commission will continue to work to reach a full agreement as soon as possible.

Romania and Bulgaria have also made their agreement conditional on the confirmation by Canada regarding the issue of visa reciprocity.

Past days and hours have seen a lot of activities in order to sign CETA next week. The good news is that we are moving towards this clear objective. Of course, we can waste no time and spare no efforts.

Peter Žiga, minister of economy and president of the Council

The European Council will also discuss this issue at its meeting on 20-21 October.

Signing CETA is a priority for the EU. It will allow a strengthening and deepening of EU relations with Canada.

We should remember advantages of free trade. CETA is about new opportunities in the global era, while respecting European standards. It is a modern, balanced and most ambitious agreement to date.

Peter Žiga, minister of economy and president of the Council

• EU trade agreements (background information)