"Globalization needs fair rules, and this is exactly what we want to achieve with the help of CETA, since CETA is a good and modern arrangement, which offers us a great opportunity, together with G7 member Canada, to shape globalization, in accordance with the European values… We must now initiate the new steps in the framework of CETA and… pave the way for parliamentary debates. I am convinced that we can today lay a solid foundation for this," Gabriel said while heading for an informal a meeting of EU economic ministers in Bratislava, as quoted by his ministry.
In particular, Gabriel offered to agree on a legal statement which would include the "mutually binding clarifications on sensitive issues," such as investment protection, public services and workers' rights.
The EU-Canada free trade agreement would provide for the elimination of customs and trade restrictions, would stimulate economic growth and would help create new jobs, the German minister said.
Earlier this week, thousands of people protested in Europe and demanded Brussels to halt the EU talks with Canada on the CETA deal, as well as against the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) deal between the European Union and the United States, which is currently being negotiated.
