\n\nIn 2016, the European Union (EU) and Canada concluded a comprehensive economic and trade agreement, known as CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement). Planned to remove around 99% of customs duties between the two economic blocs, this agreement has sparked intense controversy, particularly in France. While the National Assembly ratified this agreement on July 23, 2019, the crucial vote in the Senate remains to come.\n\n
The Prime Objective of CETA
\n\nThe main aim of CETA is to promote trade and investment betweenEU and the Canada by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. It also provides for increased cooperation between the two sides in areas such as intellectual property and professional standards. However, it is the social and environmental implications of the deal that have sparked the most controversy.\n\n
Reasons for Controversy
\n\nCritics of CETA say that opening EU markets to imports of Canadian goods could lead to lower environmental and health standards. They fear that the trade agreement will encourage economic, environmental and social “dumping”.\n\nThere are also concerns about the Investor-State Arbitration Mechanism (ISDS) clause in CETA. This clause gives companies the right to sue states for policies that hurt their profits. Critics argue that this significantly limits the ability of governments to put in place regulations in the public interest.\n\n
THE Crucial Voting in the Senate
\n\nDespite these controversies, CETA was approved by the National Assembly in July 2019. However, the Senate has not yet ruled on it. This vote is crucial and can potentially influence the future of trade between theEU and the Canada.\n\nThe majority of political parties in France voted in favor of this agreement. Nevertheless, opposition persists, notably from environmentalists and certain left-wing factions. Their concerns may still influence the final vote.\n\nOn the eve of this crucial vote, it is therefore essential for citizens to understand all aspects linked to this agreement, to be able to understand its potential implications. Decisions made by the Senate could have a significant impact on trade between theEU and the Canada, but also on environmental and social standards in France. \n\n
