During the EP plenary session (24-27/10) in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 and 21 October 2016. Statements on trade (CETA, TTIP) by Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), Gianni PITTELLA (S&amp;D, IT), Syed KAMALL (ECR, UK), Sophia IN'T VELD (ALDE, NL),&nbsp; Neoclis SYLIKIOTIS (GUE/NGL, CY), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE) and Nigel FARAGE (EFDD, UK)

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 and 21 October 2016: extracts from the debate on trade (CETA, TTIP)

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SOUNDBITE (German), Manfred WEBER (EPP, DE), EPP Group leader, <p>We have learned  that we have to stand up and defend CETA. I want to appeal to the socialists. When I see the Austrian chancellor's efforts to respond to the Canadians, and I think that we need to work together to try and resolve these problems, and I would like to express my support to the Comission's attempt to get more trade defence and better, fair trade as well.</p>

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Gianni PITTELLA (S&amp;D, IT), <p>We have to ensure that all those people who have been calling for some clarification on these issues, we have to remember that we are talking here about the most progressive trade agreement we have signed yet. In Wallonia there is not an ideological condemnation of the CETA agreement, there's a quite justified request for clarification. Mr JUNCKER and Mr SCHULZ are aware of what the situation is and they both stress that we have to continue working on this so as to enable us to move towards a good and balanced solution.</p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Syed KAMALL (ECR, UK), ECR Group leader, Why is it so difficult to unite on these key issues? Why does a trade agreement like CETA fail at last hurdle? The ECR group is asking if the EU cannot even reach an agreement with a country such  as Canada, a country with similar environmental and labour standards, what hope do we have of telling the rest of the world that EU is open for business?

SOUNDBITE (English), Sophia IN&apos;T VELD (ALDE, NL), The ALDE group wants CETA to be salvaged and if more time is needed, then more time is needed. It is not the date but the result that matters. However, we cannot unpick the work that has been done because trade is essential for our prosperity. And the credibility by the EU, it has been said by others, it has been severely damaged. And the winners of this episode are not the Walloon farmers or entrepreneurs, the winners are China and Russia and other countries, because they will get to set the standards, and not Europe.

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Neoclis SYLIKIOTIS (GUE/NGL, CY), Concerning CETA. The people said no to to CETA. With their struggles they marginalised TTIP as well. And what is clear the last days is that Commission and Council try to bring back TTIP through the back door. As GUE we welcome the courageous stand of Wallonia, who are against the ultimatums. Because they have salvaged the decency of the EU.They have expressed the true will of millions of EU citizens. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (French), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group leader, Sir, lets measure your words by your act. Here the French-speaking Belgians are giving an opportunity to the Commission and Council to remove the arbitrary courts from CETA, which serve to lock our democracies. There needs to be a clear decision which services are to be public and which private. Now I think it is very important to refer conflict between the treaty and European law to the European Court of Justice. Will this take time? Yes it will take time, but democracy takes time. We have traded with Canada for centuries without CETA, so I don't think a few extra months will not be so decisive.

SOUNDBITE (English), Nigel FARAGE (EFDD, UK), EFDD Group leader, The proposed trade agreement with Canada, having been vetoed by the Walloons, absolutely proves to you that in a modern 21st century global economy, that the EU simply isn't fit for purpose.

Event date	26/10/2016
Reference:	I128391V
Copyright:	© European Union
copyrightYear:	2016

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 20 and 21 October 2016: extracts from the debate on trade (CETA, TTIP)

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