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 on trade (CETA, TTIP, China).&nbsp;Statements by Donald TUSK, President of the European Council and Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - USA (T)

EU - China (T)

JUNCKER, Jean-Claude (LU)

TUSK, Donald (PL)

European Council meeting 20-21 October 2016 (T)

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (T)

EU - Canada (T)

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T)

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

SOUNDBITE (English), Donald TUSK, President of the European Council, <p>Our citizens are increasingly concerned about whether the trade deals we negotiate are in their best interest. And I am afraid that we won't be able to continue to negotiate free trade agreements if we do not prove that we are very serious about protecting European consumers, workers and companies. And when we discussed it, we drew a big red line between protection and protectionism. In this spirit, leaders are committed to finding an urgent agreement on the modernisation of all the EU's trade defence instruments. I know that this parliament is ready to support this. We have now tasked our trade ministers with breaking the deadlock.</p>

SOUNDBITE (English), Donald TUSK, President of the European Council, At the end of the day only the Belgians can decide on Belgium's position. I am impressed by the determination and engagement they have shown during the last hours. I still hope that Belgium will prove that it is a consensus-building champion and that we will be able to finalise this agreement soon.

SOUNDBITE (English), Donald TUSK, President of the European Council, If we cannot make the case for free trade with a country like Canada, the most European country outside Europe, and a close friend and ally, there are obvious consequences for Europe's global position. But it is too early to go there yet. As we speak, the summit tomorrow is still possible.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, I trust that an agreement will be reached in the course of today between the governments of Belgium, Wallonia and other parts of the country. I do not know if we will be able to sign the agreement with Canada tomorrow. In fact, signing tomorrow is not the pint. What is the point is for the agreement to be reached today so that the kingdom of Belgium can sign the agreement at the appropriate moment.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, In the preparations for the European Council I had a look at the figures. What the USA are doing and what the EU is doing. And I see that nobody is criticising the USA. The Americans imposed 265% in anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese steel products. The equivalent trade defence measure in the EU is 20% and that is not the way to fight overproduction in China. Overproduction in China is double the level of production in the EU. And hence we should not allow our hands to continue to be tied. The Americans defend their industry, their steel industry, and we should do the same.