Status: Ratified 16 November 2017
Czechia has a bicameral system (Chamber of Deputies and Senate), requiring both chambers to approve CETA. The Senate approved CETA in April 2017 and the Chamber of Deputies approved in September 2017, with formal notification in November 2017. CETA was ratified by a large majority, supported by the Czech Social Democratic Party, Christian Democratic Union Party, and a majority of the Yes (ANO) Party.
Public debate
Contestation over CETA’s ratification in Czechia was limited. Among political parties, the Communist Party and the Pirate Party were in opposition. Opponents cited the investor-state dispute settlement provisions in CETA, and fears over consumer protections and rights. Opposition CSOs included luridicum Remedium. Proponents of CETA included representatives of the chemical, engineering and metallurgy industries, such as the Confederation of Industry, arguing that CETA would give Czech businesses better access to the Canadian market and government procurement contracts.
Trade data
Czechia had a trade surplus in goods trade with Canada of €42 million in 2021 (Eurostat). Moreover, imports from Canada were €259 million, 0.6% of Czechia’s imports from outside the EU. Exports to Canada were €301 million, 0.8% of Czechia’s extra-EU exports (Eurostat). Canada-Czechia bilateral goods trade (imports + exports) grew by €348 million, or 69.6%, between 2016-2019 (Statistics Canada).
Sources
Corporate Europe Observatory. (November 2016). European and Canadian civil society groups call for rejection of CETA. Link
Eschbach, A. The Ratification Process in EU Member States – A presentation with particular consideration of the TTIP and CETA free trade agreements. Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law. Link
Lazarová, D. (October 2016). “Trade minister: EU-Canadian trade deal will open new opportunities”. Radio Prague International. Link.
Ruth Fraňková, R. (September 2017). “Lower house approves ratification of CETA”. Radio Prague International. Link.
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