Naturellement, and, when it comes to negotiating a trade deal with Canada, intransigent. For seven years, the EU and Canada have been negotiating the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (Ceta), which will provide for free trade and harmonisation of standards. Now, on the brink of ratification, little Wallonia has rejected it, with regional prime minister Paul Magnette demanding further negotiation. Constitutionally, it can demand a Belgian veto, and a Belgian veto can scupper the whole deal. It is the clash of free trade versus protectionism now being played out in the UK and all over Europe.

Source: The Guardian October 21, 2016 20:30 UTC