Slovakia ratifies EU-Canada trade agreement

Slovakia has ratified the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada, with Parliament approving the move on Wednesday. The agreement will be beneficial for Slovakia's economy, Economy Ministry spokesperson Maroš Stano stated after the parliamentary session, adding that Parliament ratified the document with a constitutional majority. He noted that it's the most ambitious free trade agreement that the EU has reached with a G7 partner so far. "The agreement is undoubtedly a Slovak success at the international level, since it was reached while Slovakia was presiding over the Council of the European Union," stated Economy Minister Peter Žiga. Stano stated that the agreement will facilitate trade in goods and services and eliminate customs and business barriers, with European exporters save €500 million annually due to the cancelled customs duties.