Since the commercial treaty TTIP between the EU and the USA has been put on the backburner, the interest in a similar trading treaty between the EU and Canada has increased. This treaty is called CETA. Despite protests in some of the larger European cities, it is expected that the treaty will be signed on the 27th of October. Then, there will be a meeting in Brussels between the EU and Canada.
CETA can count on protests as well, such as the one depicted above, in Brussels.
In a final effort to save this treaty, the two parties have reached an agreement that comes down to benefits versus burdens. Disputed issues have been put on the backburner, while abolishing trade charges, and other benefits should be implemented immediately.
In Canada, as well as in Europe, there is much protest against the treaty. CETA is just the little brother of TTIP, according the opponents. The items of the treaty have simply been copied, the only difference is that the treaty is with Canada and not with the US.
The European Commission usually concludes treaties, which are then approved by the European Parliament. However, the EC decided to give the national parliaments a vote in May. This was a smart move because, while awaiting this ratification process, the treaty can be put into action for the largest part, and this has no time limit. In theory, any treaty can be provisionally in action for decades.
The Canadian website Global Research has put TTIP and CETA on the list of other commercial treaties between the US and other parties. Both treaties are laced with the neoliberal ideology that mainly benefits the multinationals.
Sources: NRC, Global Reserach