BRUSSELS, Oct 20 (Reuters) - The premier of the Belgian region that is the main impediment to a planned EU-Canada free trade agreement called an unscheduled meeting of his government on Thursday ahead of a declaration to the regional parliament on Friday.
All 28 EU governments support the planned Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), but Belgium cannot give its assent without backing from five sub-federal administrations and the Wallonia region has steadfastly opposed it. premier Paul Magnette has held talks with top EU officials as well as Canadian Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland in recent days.
His spokesman said in a text message that the discussions were now completed, but he gave no indication of the outcome. Magnette had summoned the Walloon government for a meeting late on Thursday, he said, and would address the Walloon parliament on Friday morning.