EU/CANADACETA NEGOTIATIONSState of Play

Conference on the EU-Canada Relationship and CETA

Fred KingstonEU Delegation to CanadaVancouver, 7 June 2013

CETA ProcessThe launch of CETA negotiations took place at the EU/Canada Summit in May 2009 in Prague.

The decision to launch negotiations followed almost two years of study on the costs and benefits of a closer EU/Canada partnership, the so-called Joint Study . http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2008/october/tradoc_141032.pdf

The Joint Study was then followed by the Scoping Exercise, which set the objectives of the negotiations. http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2009/march/tradoc_142470.pdf

Modalities for the negotiations Reach maximum degree of liberalization of trade in goods and services, far beyond WTO commitments, towards economic integration;

Pursue a comprehensive and ambitious agreement: No minimalist deal (all issues on the table);

Conclude negotiations quickly target was 2012.

Modalities for the negotiationsLarge scope of the agreement

CETA contains traditional FTA elements: goods and services, plusPublic procurementIntellectual propertyInvestmentLabour mobilityRegulatory cooperation

Because of the wide scope for the negotiations, essential to secure a strong involvement of the Canadian Provinces and Territories in the negotiations (first time for Canada).

CETA Negotiations achievements (1)

Nine rounds have taken place. Since then, talks are held in expert groups, more frequent meetings.

Ministerial meetings took place in December 2010, in November 2012 and, the last one, in February 2013.

In spite of some delay, the negotiations have progressed very well. Excellent atmosphere and high ambitions remain on both sides.

CETA Negotiations - achievements (2)

In terms of trade in goods, EU and Canada plan to eliminate tariffs on roughly 99% of existing tariff lines in bilateral trade, with a maximum dismantling period of seven years .

But CETA goes well beyond trade in goods. Key elements of these negotiations are :Public procurement (Provincial and Municipal level)Intellectual Property Rights (including pharma patents and GIs)ServicesInvestmentRegulatory CooperationLabour mobility, etc.

CETA Negotiations state of playNow into the end game.

However, there still are many complex and sensitive areas of negotiation to resolve, such as: Agriculture market accessIPR (pharma patents, GIs)Rules of Origin (auto sector)Investment (market access, investment protection)Procurement (urban transport)Services (financial services)

Perspectives -

Political support for an ambitious agreement remains strong on both sides.

Satisfaction for the serious and constant implication of the Provinces and Territories in the negotiations. Provinces must remain active and committed.

Hope to solve the remaining issues quickly and conclude negotiations rapidly.