REUTERS: Germany’s Gabriel gets green light to support EU-Canada trade deal

September 20, 2016 | BY HOLGER HANSEN and CAROLINE COPLEY Germany appeared set on Monday to back an ambitious trade accord between the European Union and Canada after the leader of the Social Democrats (SPD), junior partner in the ruling coalition, overcame left-wing resistance to the deal within his party. The SPD decision paves the way for EU member states to approve the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) next month before Brussels signs the accord with Ottawa on Oct. 27. Left-wing SPD members had argued that CETA would undermine workers’ rights and environmental standards, but party leader Sigmar Gabriel said it represented the EU’s best chance to shape globalization in the interests of ordinary people. To read the full article, please click here.