Stakeholder consultation report on the implementation of selected aspects of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

The European Parliament's Committee on International Trade is currently scrutinising implementation of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) through a dedicated report. This stakeholder consultation report offers evidence in support of the committee's work on the implementation report. The stakeholder consultation report focuses on key areas that have garnered significant attention throughout the CETA negotiations and the ratification process. It also discusses provisions that have posed challenges or remained under-utilised. Trade data indicate that CETA has had a positive impact on EU-Canada trade in goods and services. Stakeholders, including businesses and civil society, generally express satisfaction with CETA's implementation after the initial 5-year provisional application period, noting growth in bilateral trade, positive public procurement outcomes, and the absence of major concerns in protecting public service sectors. However, some challenges remain, such as the need for more concrete progress in regulatory cooperation, increased transparency in committee activities, greater business involvement to minimise government-to-government discussions, and improved engagement of civil society, particularly regarding labour and environmental protection issues. Stakeholders have also raised concerns about the incomplete ratification of CETA. Swift ratification is essential to bolster and enhance the EU's trade policy credibility, not least in view of other significant trade agreements, such as the EU-Mercosur agreement, the deal with New Zealand, and potential future trade agreements with other countries.