The Bulgarian National Assembly approved on first reading the draft for ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, known as CETA. 110 MPs voted in favor, 98 MPs were against and 7 MPs abstained. CETA envisages abolition of customs duties, simplification of customs rules and procedures. The Parliamentary groups of the United Patriots and the Bulgarian Socialist Party voted against. The risk of  penetration of genetically modified products on the market and possible restriction on national sovereignty were among the arguments of the two parliamentary groups to vote against CETA. Podkrepa Confederation of Labor called on the Bulgarian MPs to vote against CETA, because in their view, this agreement will harm small and medium-sized business in Bulgaria. If the draft for the ratification of CETA is approved on second reading, the agreement will enter into force.