The European Union have been interested in developing foreign relations with both the United States  of America and Canada for many years. CETA (Comprehensive Trade and Investment Partnership) and TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) are identified as more important and convenient economic projects for economic interests of the EU, USA and Canada.  Negotiations for TTIP  have not been promoted successfully between the USA and the EU yet. However, the EU and Canada accomplished  negotiations positively for the establishment of CETA at the end of October.  But, there is one issue that concern citizens of the European Union.  Why governments in 28 members of the EU are not interested in putting rules of CETA in referendum?

What is CETA and SPA?

The 16th summit was organized between Canadian and  the European Union’s  delegations  in Brussels on 30 October.  The summit reflects significant juncture that is linked to reinforcement of long-term political and economic partnership between two world’s powers. In the summit officials of institutions of the European Union and prime minister of Canada  Justin Trudeau signed two essential landmark agreements- Comprehensive Economic and Trade agreement, and Strategic Partnership agreement. However, various interesting news had circulated in different press agencies before both sides signed two agreements that neither Canada nor  the EU  are ready to establish new strong partnership. Because, two or  three weeks ago, members of the regional assembly who represent ethnic Wallonians rejected signature of CETA agreement. When trade minister of Canada heard this negative opinion from the  Wallonia part of Belgium, she walked out of negotiations. But, all negative predicts dissipated.  The assembly of the  Wallonia region disbanded their decision and voted on supporting this policy of the European Union . Prime minister of Canada,  Justin Trudeau and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, Donald Tusk, President of the European Council have agreed Joint statement. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission said”  “Today, the people of Canada and the European Union have opened a new chapter in their relationship. More than half a billion people on both sides of the Atlantic will enjoy new opportunities. For many people, it will mean new jobs and better jobs. We have signed two agreements that not only symbolise our commitment to a shared future but also set a common project that will improve the lives of millions of Canadians and Europeans.

The comprehensive Economic and Trade agreement has aim to amplifies economic growth on both side of Atlantic and invigorates both side to implement commitment in regard with free, fair and progressive trade.  This considerable agreement works for welfare of nearly 550 million EU and Canadian citizens. Leaders of the European Union and Canada have agreed on  provisions of the CETA agreement that are directed to establish an independent and impartial multilateral investment court.

The Strategic Partnership agreement has purpose to strengthen political dialogue and cooperation between Canada and members of the European Union.  This significant agreement generates wide range of areas for the development of the partnership, For example, foreign and Security policies, innovation, paying attention on climate change, struggling against terrorism. The European Union have adopted obligation to promote political cooperation with Canada under the framework of its Security and Defense policy.  

Leaders also have concluded disputes concerning Agreement on the exchange of classical information between Canada and the EU, and agreed to maintain peacekeeping efforts of the United Nation and NATO.

Positive and negative implications about CETA.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade agreement which was signed by officials of the European Union and Canada on 30 October makes many European citizens happy.  CETA will be providing strategy to improve economic, business, environmental and social circumstances in Europe.  CETA will be aiming to quash all restrictions and custom duties for the implementation of free movement between European and Canadian citizens.  Moreover, provisions of this agreement will ensure European citizens with great opportunities for  obtaining worker’s rights, acquiring food safety and putting much investment in Canada.   However, not  all European citizens are in favor of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade agreement. There are enough people in Europe who demonstrate  negative implication against CETA.  Because, from their way of opinion, this agreement is directed to entail more problems in Europe.  In some member states of the European Union,  different non-governmental organizations, associations and political parties anticipate  that this agreement will commit prejudices against political and economic environment in Europe. First, CETA might allow Canada to jeopardize worker’s rights and national sovereignty in the European Union. Second, this agreement might work for benefit of Canada and weaken economic integration in Europe.  Third disturbance  is about  that   it can prevent efforts to fight Climate change problems.

Because of all these problems,  delegations and political experts who engaged in non-governmental organizations and political parties regard that,  it is vital for governments of member states of the EU to settle issues regarding the establishment of  the Comprehensive Economic and Trade agreement  in referendum.  Citizens in all 28 countries of the EU should show their diverse opinion in referendum about CETA.  For instance,   referendum was held in the Netherland in regard to Ukraine’s membership application to the EU. Major Dutch citizens voted against this decision.

Referendum is only solution of implementation of provisions  of CETA.  Not all member states of the European Union should be urged to carry out obligations of this comprehensive agreement.