The Walloon Government has approved, at second reading, the preliminary draft decree granting assent to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, for matters falling within the competence of the Walloon Region. This second reading comes at a particularly opportune moment, as the Minister-President is preparing to undertake a mission to Canada from this Sunday. This context allows the Walloon decision to be placed within an international dynamic, strengthening the scope of bilateral exchanges and cooperation between Wallonia and Canada.
A strengthened agreement whose framework has evolved since 2016
Since the signing of CETA in 2016, several concerns raised by Belgium and Wallonia have been the subject of thorough work at European level. Over the years, the agreement has evolved, been clarified and strengthened, making it possible today to approach ratification within a clearer and more balanced framework.
The investment dispute settlement mechanism has thus undergone substantial improvements: strengthening of the appeal mechanism, transparency of procedures and easier access for small and medium-sized enterprises. These improvements have strengthened and balanced the ICS: the mechanism guarantees the protection of investments while clearly preserving states' right to legislate in defence of the public interest, particularly regarding health, the environment and safety.
On trade, the experience gained since the provisional application of the agreement also shows that Canadian agri-food imports remain marginal, while European standards continue to apply fully.
The requested guarantees have gradually been incorporated, creating today the conditions for a smooth ratification.
A positive economic impact for Wallonia
Since the provisional entry into force of CETA in 2017, trade between Wallonia and Canada has developed favourably.
In 2024, the Walloon trade balance showed a surplus of €64.8 million. In the first half of 2025, Walloon exports to Canada rose by 271.5%, driven notably by the pharmaceutical sector.
The agreement facilitates access to the Canadian market, supports Walloon businesses, particularly SMEs, and helps diversify their international outlets.
An agreement in step with the new geopolitical context
In an international environment marked by growing trade tensions, fragile supply chains and a return of protectionist policies, having a stable trade framework with a reliable partner such as Canada is of increasing importance.
CETA offers Walloon businesses a predictable environment based on common rules and helps strengthen Wallonia's transatlantic ties while reducing dependence on more uncertain markets.
A ratification bringing legal certainty and prospects
Ratification will make it possible to secure the agreement in the long term and fully activate the provisions relating to investment protection, providing enhanced legal certainty for businesses.
Wallonia has long maintained close ties with Canada, based on a shared history and a common belonging to the Francophonie, fostering dynamic cultural and economic exchanges between the two regions.
On the eve of the ministerial mission to Quebec and Ontario, this decision sends a clear and strong signal to Canadian partners: Wallonia intends to fully engage in a lasting economic relationship, built on trust, legal certainty and shared strategic interests.
The Minister-President's mission is part of a strategy to concretely leverage the opportunities offered by CETA. It aims to turn positive trade results into lasting industrial, scientific and technological partnerships, to position Walloon SMEs at the heart of leading Canadian ecosystems, particularly in sustainable agri-food and aerospace, and to strengthen a partnership with an economically stable country with resilient growth and strong innovation capacity, in an international context marked by uncertainty.