BRUSSELS: Belgium announced a breakthrough on Thursday to save a landmark EU-Canada free trade deal by winning over domestic holdouts who threatened to torpedo the agreement and further damage Europe’s international credibility.

News of the intra-Belgian agreement came too late for EU leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to go ahead with a signing ceremony in Brussels on Thursday.

“This is an important agreement that is on the table,” Prime Minister Charles Michel told a press conference after marathon talks to win over Belgium’s fractious French-speaking communities.

Under complex constitutional arrangements, Michel needed all of Belgium’s regional governments to back the deal before he could sign up. In turn, the accord requires all 28 EU members for approval.

Confirmation of the agreement came swiftly from Paul Magnette, head of the southern French-speaking Wallonia region who has led objections to the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).

Canada’s Foreign Minister Stephane Dion hailed the move to break the logjam.

“If it materialises, it’s excellent news,” he said during a visit to Paris, adding he was “cautiously optimistic”.

Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, hailed the “good news” as he tweeted that he would contact Trudeau “once all procedures are finalised for EU signing CETA.” Tusk had hoped until Wednesday morning for a signing summit but it proved impossible as the talks dragged on. A European source said there was no new date set yet.The accord must meanwhile be vetted by the remaining 27 EU member states and institutions, as well as by the Wallon and other regional governments who, Michel said, have pledged to give their answer before midnight on Friday.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2016