A trade deal between the EU and Canada is on the brink of collapse after talks between Canada and a Belgian region broke down on Friday.
Canada’s Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland left the talks in Brussels, saying the EU was “not capable” of signing a trade deal even with Canada.
Talks on the deal began in 2009. Belgium, the only country blocking agreement, needed consent from the regional parliament of Wallonia.
The deal was to be signed next week.
Speaking outside the seat of the Walloon government, Ms Freeland told reporters: “It seems evident for me and for Canada that the European Union is not now capable of having an international accord even with a country that has values as European as Canada.”
She added: “Canada is disappointed, but I think it is impossible.”
