A surprise decision that blows up the political agenda of the European Union. Two days before the summit that would have led to the final go-ahead, Belgian Premier Charles Michel has announced his intention not to sign the European free trade treaty due to Wallonia's opposition.
The president of the European Council Donald Tusk will, in all likelihood, be forced to postpone the meeting with the Canadian representatives, scheduled for Thursday.
From Brussels, Michel let it be known that "he is unable to sign the CETA". The reason is easy to say: Wallonia's minister-president Paul Magnette had ruled out a "Yes today" to the trade agreement. In fact, Belgian law provides that, for international treaties, all regions of the country must give their ok, thus allowing the Government to sign the text.
But Wallonia doesn't agree and is asking for changes to the arbitration system needed to resolve disputes between companies and governments. According to the agreement, the magistrates in charge of resolving legal issues must be appointed by the States and not by private individuals. The president of Wallonia, on the other hand, would like more guarantees that would allow him to stem the excessive power of multinationals. Much less intricate political reasons also contributed to endorsing Magnette's No: Wallonia is governed by the Socialist Party which has decided to take the opportunity to create difficulties for the centre-right government, at the same time weakening the internal political opposition in the region.
This evening, the President of the European Council will have a telephone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In all likelihood, the two will decide to postpone the summit scheduled for Thursday, in order to find a solution to the excesses in Wallonia.
