Wallonia, population 3.5 million, just blocked an EU/Canadian trade deal that affects 535 million people

Wallonia Coat of Arms

European Union credibility was challenged over the weekend after Wallonia, a region of Belgium with population of 3.5 million, managed to block the signing of a EU - Canadian trade deal that affected the entirety of continental Europe and Canada, with a combined population of 535 million.

Belgium holds the odd-law that ALL five regional constituents must vote their assent before the Federal Belgium government can vote approval with the European Union. The Walloons appeared to disagree with the desire to afford legal protections to investors.



https://www.economist.com/news/europe/21709145-grumpy-insular-mood-european-union