Status: Not Ratified
Italy has a bicameral system (Camera dei deputati and Senato), requiring both chambers to ratify CETA. In 2017, the Senato sent a CETA ratification bill to committee to begin discussions on the ratification process, however, this process was halted due to intense public contestation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who came to power after the 2022 elections, has in the past criticized CETA as being “against the needs of the peoples”. The government’s Italy-first agenda makes it questionable if CETA ratification will be actively pursued.
Public debate
Contestation over the ratification of CETA in Italy has been intensive, with CETA opponents including members from all parties in both legislative chambers. The most prominent political opponents include the Brothers of Italy and the Lega (which form part of the government) and the Five Star Movement (which is in opposition). Proponents of CETA include Forza Italia (in government) and the Democratic Party (in opposition). Contestation about CETA focuses on agricultural concerns; opponents argue that CETA does not protect enough Italian geographical indications (GIs), will undermine prices for Italian farmers, and that Canadian agricultural products will harm food standards and safety. Opponents also argue that there is a lack of access to the Canadian dairy market for Italian dairy producers. There are also industrial concerns surrounding automobiles. Opposing CSOs include the Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro (CGIL), Slow Food Italy, and Fairwatch. Proponents of CETA in Italy argue that the agreement will give importers and exporters better access to the Canadian market; these groups include the Flour Millers Association, which profits from access to the Canadian wheat market.
Trade data
Italy had a trade surplus in goods trade with Canada of €3.10 billion, the second highest in the EU, in 2021 (Eurostat). Moreover, imports from Canada were €1.73 billion, 0.9% of Italy’s exports from outside the EU. Exports were €4.84 billion, 2% of Italy’s extra-EU exports (Eurostat). Canada-Italy bilateral goods trade (imports + exports) grew by €1.47 billion, or 22.2%, between 2016 and 2019 (Statistics Canada).
Sources
Reuters. (October 2022). “Key moments from Italian PM Meloni’s maiden speech. Link.
Albanese, C. and Vanuzzo, A. (October 2022). “Prioritizing Italy Inc. Is Meloni’s Plan as New Prime Minister.” Bloomberg. Link.
Letizia, D. (June 2021). “G7: Justin Trudeau met with the Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi”. Canadian Chamber In Italy”. Link.
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. (June 2021). “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi.” The Prime Minister’s Office. Link.
Agricoltori Italiani Toscana. (Settembre 2021). “CETA: Cia: vola l’export di formaggi verso il Canada, la ratifica sia la priorità per il Governo.” Link.
Authentica (Settembre 2019). “Accordo CETA: ha ragione il ministro Teresa Bellanova o Slow Food?”. Link.
News Beezer. (September 2019). “Teresa Bellanova favourable for GMO and CETA. Salvini’s fury: ‘Made in Italy'”. Link.
Authentico (June 2018). Perché l’Italia ha solo da perdere dalla rottura del CETA? 4 buoni motivi. Link.
Bordi, R. (Settembre 2019). “Ceta, cos’è il trattato di libero scambio Ue-Canada su cui litigano Pd e M5S”. il Giornale. Link.
CBC News. (June 2018). “Italy won’t ratify EU free-trade deal with Canada, say farm minister.” 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
European Public Service Union. (June 2016). “Unions and Civil Society are Mobilizing: No to CETA – a bad deal for workers and people.” Link
Letizia, D. (June 2021). “G7: Justin Trudeau met with the Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi”. Canadian Chamber In Italy”. Link.
National Post. (July 2018). “Italy says it won’t ratify CETA, EU’s free trade deal with Canada.” Link.
Parti Democratico. (July 2017). Martina: “Etichette, l’Ue ci seguirà. E il Ceta spingerà l’export”.. Link.
Patterson, B. (2019). “Right-wing Italian coalition government opposes ratification of Canada-EU CETA.” The Council of Canadians. Link.
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. (June 2021). “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi.” The Prime Minister’s Office. Link.
Rios, B. (July 2018). “Italy threatens to block CETA ratification”. Euractiv. Link.
Sisto, A. and Jones, G. (July 2018). “Italy says it won’t ratify EU-Canada trade deal; Canada plays down threat”. Link.
Williams, M. (July 2017). “Italy’s farmers ‘demonizing’ Canadian wheat in bid to protect domestic industry”. CBC News. Link.
Click here to return to CETA Tracker: Main Page
Click here for the Centre for European Studies, EU Learning.
Image: https://flagpedia.net