In October 2016, on behalf of the Belgian government and at the end of several sessions of discussions, reflections and hearings, he opposed the signing of CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) between the European Union and Canada, thereby blocking the ratification process which postponed the European Union-Canada summit during which the treaty was to be officially signed on 27 October 2016, to the great displeasure of the other members of the European Union and of Canada. Several foreign media channels made reference to the speech he gave in the Walloon Parliament on 14 October 2016, particularly in France where he was the subject of a special programme on the Arte channel.