Canada-EU Pact Possible By Summer, Officials Say

The long-awaited trade pact between Canada and EU may soon be completed, officials have said in recent weeks, with agriculture reportedly being the last major hurdle to clinching the deal.

Canadian Ambassador to the EU Matthias Brinkmann said earlier this month that he can “see the way to a deal” once both parties decide on the level of market access that the EU would offer Canadian beef and Canada would allow for additional European cheese.

A few other “smaller” sticking points, such as public procurement, urban transport, and rules of origin for cars, also remain, he told Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail. “That we are working on. And there, we know more or less where it will end.”

Officials are said to vying to secure this deal with the EU before Brussels formally begins trade talks with Washington this summer. Some have suggested that an agreement could be ready in time for the G-8 summit in Northern Ireland next month.