The European Union and Canada are on the cusp of sealing a landmark free trade deal after the Belgian government on Thursday overcame an impasse with its regional authorities, which had been seeking more protections from multinationals. It made it impossible to sign the deal in Brussels with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday, as had been scheduled for weeks. But if we took a bit of time, what we achieved here is important, not only for Wallonia but for all Europeans," Magnette said. Campaigners who had been critical of the trade deal were delighted with the concessions Magnette obtained. Laurens Ankersmit, EU trade lawyer for ClientEarth, said he was "absolutely thrilled" that the court will get the opportunity to rule on this settlement.

Source: ABC News October 27, 2016 08:50 UTC