European Union

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EU Heads of State or Government meet on 21 October 2016 in Brussels to address the ongoing negotiations for trade agreements and the modernisation of Trade Defence Instruments.

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Good afternoon. Sorry, but I'll be very brief, because I still have a few preparatory meetings ahead of the Summit.

Let me start with CETA. The negotiations are still going on, as we speak. I hope that Belgium will once again prove that it is a true champion in compromise-making; and that on Friday we will have an agreement that will pave the way for signing CETA. But the question goes beyond CETA. If we are not able to convince people that trade agreements are in their interest, if we are not able to convince them that our representatives negotiate FTAs to protect people's interests, then we will have no chance to build public support for free trade. Which means, I am afraid, that CETA could be our last free trade agreement. That is also why we need effective tools to protect ourselves against unfair trade practices; and this is why the discussion on trade defence instruments is so important today.

We will also discuss Russia and its role in Europe and our neighbourhood. It is difficult, even impossible to talk about this, and not refer to the current attacks on civilians and hospitals in Aleppo. Today is not about decisions, but I want to underline that the EU should keep all options open, including sanctions, if the crimes continue.

Finally, let me say that I'll be very happy to welcome Prime Minister Theresa May today. Some media described her first meeting in the European Council as entering the lion's den. It's not true. It's more like a nest of doves. She'll be absolutely safe with us. And I hope that she will also realise that the European Union is simply the best company in the world. 

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