The Netherlands have adopted the European Union’s Ceta Free Trade Agreement with Canada. The first chamber of parliament approved the treaty in The Hague on Tuesday by a majority of 40 to 30. The second chamber, comparable to the Bundestag, had previously agreed.
Only two years ago, the ratification of the agreement in the first chamber, which is comparable to the Federal Council, failed. The Social Democrats voted against it at the time. But now they gave the green light. While the treaty isn’t ideal, the group said, with a few changes, it could contribute to “a more honest and peaceful world.”
Germany also wants to agree to the CETA agreement after an agreement was reached between the traffic light groups in June. Ratification is planned for the autumn. Parts of the trade agreement came into force in 2017 – but only in those areas for which the EU alone is undoubtedly responsible and not its member states. The other parts are on hold pending ratification. (dpa)