Status: Ratified 9 March 2017
Latvia has a unicameral system, requiring the Saeima to ratify CETA. Latvia was quick to ratify CETA in February 2017 (70 votes for and 6 against) with formal notification in March 2017. CETA ratification was steered by a coalition government, led by Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis, composed of the Union of Greens and Farmers, Unity Party and National Alliance, whereas the Social Democratic Party (Harmony) were split.
Public debate
Contestation over CETA’s ratification was very limited with CSO Green Liberty citing concerns over GMOs and food safety. Regarding food safety, the Saeima passed a statement on food safety when ratifying CETA. Proponents of CETA’s ratification focused on closer ties to Canada and the West, including the ties Canada has to Latvia through NATO and Canadian Armed Forces.
Trade data
Latvia had a trade deficit in goods trade with Canada of €565 million in 2021 (Eurostat). Imports from Canada were €599 million, 10.8% of Latvia’s imports from outside the EU. Exports to Canada were €34 million, 0.5% of Latvia’s extra-EU exports (Eurostat). Canada-Latvia bilateral goods trade (imports + exports) grew by €553 million, or 718.2%, between 2016 and 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
Nash, C. (March 2017). “Latvia lobbying other EU member states to follow its lead, ratify CETA.” The Hills Times. Link.
Sevunts, L. (February 2017). “Latvia becomes first EU country to ratify free trade with Canada”. Radio Canada International. Link.
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