Status: Ratified 17 May 2018
Lithuania has a unicameral system, requiring the Selma to ratify CETA. CETA’s ratification was passed by the Selma in April 2018, with formal ratification in May 2018. A minority government including the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union and the Democratic Labour Party led the process.
Public debate
Contestation over CETA’s ratification was limited in Lithuania. Opponent political parties included the Lithuania Christian Democrats, Liberal Movement and the Social Democratic Party. However, these political parties were not able mobilize society to prevent CETA’s ratification. CSOs opposing included trade unionists and environmentalists, including the Lithuanian Industry Trade Union Federation and the Trade Union of Lithuanian Food Producers. Contention focused on food safety (GMOs), resulting in a subsequent statement being passed alongside CETA concerning concerns over GMOs and hormones used in the Canadian agricultural sector. Proponents of CETA argued the mixed agreement would create closer commercial and bilateral ties between Lithuania and Canada, as well as enhance the West’s unity.
Trade data
Lithuania had a trade surplus in goods trade with Canada of €108 million in 2021 (Eurostat). Imports from Canada were €27 million, 0.2% of Lithuania’s imports from outside the EU. Exports were €134 million, 0.9% of Lithuania’s extra-EU exports (Eurostat). Canada-Lithuania bilateral goods trade (imports + exports) decreased by €79 million, or 28.7%, 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
The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to Canada. (April 2018). “Seimas ratified a free trade agreement between Canada and the EU and issued a special statement”. Link.
Click here to return to CETA Tracker: Main Page
Click here for the Centre for European Studies, EU Learning.
Image: https://flagpedia.net