In addition to TTIP, the planned free trade agreement between the EU and Canada (CETA) currently leads to controversial discussions. On behalf of the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation, a recently published study by Prof Dr Gerald Spindler (University of Göttingen) and Prof Dr Christian Thorun (ConPolicy) analyses the impact of CETA on consumer welfare.
In addition to an analysis of general rules, the authors focus on the markets for food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices as well as privacy and financial services.
From a consumer perspective, the authors arrive at mixed conclusions. While they welcome some regulations and the possibility to restrict liberalization obligations to protect consumer interests, other aspects are evaluated as problematic, such as the negative list approach and the possible impact of the agreement on sustainability goals. Finally, the authors conclude that the actual impact of the agreement on consumer welfare will depend greatly on its future legal interpretation.
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