Protesters against CETA. Gregorio Borgia/PAimages. All rights reserved.
As the world gets used to the idea of a Trump presidency in the US and all the implications for minorities, women, values, fact-based policy and the basic tenets of an open and just society, Wallonia’s rearguard action on the EU’s trade deal with Canada feels like old news. The CETA agreement could be seen as the last gasp of liberal internationalism or a superficial act of trade diplomacy between partners who have yet to wake up to the reality of ‘reasoned protectionism’.
Rather, CETA now becomes more, not less significant. It is a transatlantic confirmation that open trade, shared values and similar social and environmental standards can be maintained despite elements of rejectionism on both sides. It is also useful to note how close the EU came to scoring an own goal.
