A free trade deal between Canada and the EU could finally be signed next week, following emergency talks.
The President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, has said he is "optimistic" agreement will be reached following fears the protracted negotiations had foundered.
The threatened failure of the seven-year talks had cast doubt on the UK's ability to forge a trade deal with the EU following Brexit.
At one point the Canadian trade minister Chrystia Freeland walked out of the talks in the face of further delays.
But after a crisis meeting aimed at salvaging the deal, Mr Schulz said: "We are ready to sign on Thursday next week."
Speaking at a news conference Mr Schulz added: "The problems on the table are European problems and we have to solve it.
"I'm very optimistic that we can solve the problems we have within the European Union."
He felt it had "perhaps" been a "decisive" meeting.
Ms Freeland said: "From Canada's perspective, our work is done. "We have finished negotiating a very good agreement, and Canada is ready to sign this agreement."
She added: "Now the ball is in Europe's court, and it's time for Europe to finish doing its job. We very much hope that that will happen.
"I very much hope that I will be able to return here in just a few days, to Europe, with my prime minister, to sign this agreement on 27 October."
Her optimistic comments were in stark contrast to those she made on Friday after talks broke down.
She said at the time: "It is now evident to me, evident to Canada, that the European Union is incapable of reaching an agreement - even with a country with European values such as Canada.
"Canada is disappointed and I personally am disappointed, but I think it's impossible."
The sticking point had been a region in southern Belgium - Wallonia - which objected to the deal, despite all 28 national governments in the EU being in favour of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The arrangement would eliminate 98% of tariffs between the EU and Canada and could increase trade by 20%.
Belgium, however, needs agreement from its five sub-federal administrations, including French-speaking Wallonia, which has a population of about 3.5 million people.
Mr Schulz had also held with talks with the head of Wallonia's government, Paul Magnette.
Attending her first EU summit this week, Prime Minister Theresa May said it was "important" the bloc concluded its deal with Canada.
But she added: "We're not looking to adopt another model that somebody else has in relation to their trade with the European Union.
"What we want is to develop what is a new relationship for the UK when we're outside the EU.
"What we want is to ensure that we have the right deal for the United Kingdom. And I'm optimistic about that."
Source: Sky News.
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