European Union President Donald Tusk told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a phone conversation on Monday that the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada (CETA) is still on the cards despite Belgium’s region of Wallonia opposing the deal. Tusk assured Trudeau that "there's yet time" to convince Belgium to support the deal.
Canada and the EU intended to sign the deal on Thursday. However, in order for CETA to be signed all 28 EU member states have to be in favor of it. Earlier today, President of the Wallon parliament Andre Antoine stated that the region is not prepared to oblige to the ‘ultimatum’ from the European Union that expects Belgium to accept CETA.
“We think Thursday's summit still possible. We encourage all parties to find a solution,” Tusk tweeted.
Image: EPA / Olivier Hoslet
