French President Emmanuel Macron expressed regret over the recent vote by the French Senate to reject legislation aimed at ratifying the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The trade deal, which has been in provisional effect since September 2017, requires approval from each national parliament for full implementation.
Despite the Senate's decision, it does not definitively mean that France will ultimately reject ratification. The text will be returned to the lower house of parliament for further discussion, as stated by Macron during a news conference at an EU summit in Brussels.
Macron defended the agreement, emphasizing its benefits to the French farming industry. He highlighted the positive impact on sectors such as milk, cheese, and wine, asserting that the assessment clearly indicates advantages for French agriculture.
The rejection by French senators follows protests by farmers across France and Europe earlier this year, citing concerns over low earnings, heavy regulation, and perceived unfair competition from abroad, particularly related to free-trade agreements like CETA.
While Macron's centrist alliance supported the CETA, conservative and leftist senators united to oppose the ratification bill. Major farmers' unions and food producer organizations in France welcomed the Senate's decision, expressing concerns that the agreement could harm the country's food industry in the long term.
Various agricultural groups raised issues about the lack of guarantees in the CETA regarding Canada's alignment with EU standards, particularly in the livestock sector. The French Interprofessional Livestock and Meat Association hailed the Senate's vote as a victory for protecting French and European standards in health, environment, and animal welfare.
Despite the rejection, data shows a significant increase in French exports to Canada since 2017, with notable growth in sectors like cheese and wine. However, the French Federation of Exporters of Wine and Spirits criticized the Senate's decision, warning of potential market losses for French producers in Canada.
In conclusion, the debate over the CETA continues in France, with differing perspectives on its impact on the agricultural and food industries. The future of the trade deal remains uncertain as discussions and deliberations persist within the French parliament.
