Status: Not Ratified
Cyprus’s presidential system has a unicameral parliament (House of Representatives). In July 2020, the House of Representatives rejected ratifying CETA; however, the EU was not officially notified of the vote. The Cypriot government intends to bring CETA to the parliament again at a later point.
Public debate
House of Representatives Source: University of Nicosia
While President Anastasiades and his Democratic Rally support CETA’s ratification in Cyprus, contestation has been intensive. Political parties such as the Movement for Social Democracy, the AKEL party and the Greens oppose CETA’s ratification. Opponents argue that CETA will have an adverse impact on the agricultural sector and food safety, with the introduction of GMOs, and will set up a “parallel justice system” through the implementation of the investor-dispute settlement provisions. Opposition from agricultural interests largely focuses on geographical indicators, especially for Cypriot halloumi cheese. Large agricultural interests in the dairy industry have indicated a willingness to support CETA’s ratification if CETA recognizes a GI on halloumi cheese. CSO and NGOs opponents include Young Friends of the Earth, Cyprus.
Trade data
Cyprus had a trade deficit in goods trade with Canada of €10 million in 2021 (Eurostat). However, imports from Canada grew from €10 million to €13 million in 2021, which is 0.4% of Cyprus’s imports from outside the EU. Exports to Canada also grew from €2 million to €4 million in 2021, 0.1% of Cyprus’s extra-EU exports (Global Affairs Canada). Canada-Cyprus bilateral goods trade (imports + exports) grew by €6 million, or 66.7%, between 2016-2019 (Statistics Canada).
Sources
Connolly, A. (August 2020). “Could Europe’s Cyprus halloumi dispute derail CETA? Maybe, but solution likely”. Global News. Link.
Corporate Europe Observatory. (November 2016). European and Canadian civil society groups call for rejection of CETA. Link
Cyprus Mail. (August 2020). “Talks to begin with parties after rejection of CETA”. Bilaterals. 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
Investment Treaty News. (October 2020). “CETA faces hurdle after Cypriot parliament fails to ratify the agreement”. International Institute for Sustainable Development. Link.
Marks, S. and Stefanni S. (June 2017). “Brussel’s secret weapon in Cyprus talks: halloumi cheese”. Global News. Link.
Moens, B., Leali, G., and Mears, E. (August 2020). “Halloumi cheese puts EU’s Canada trade deal to the test”. Politico. Link.
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