The EU’s free trade deal with Canada appears to be dead in the water as Ottawa’s trade minister walked out talks, declaring the EU “incapable” of managing international agreements.

Negotiators have spent seven years hammering out the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Afreement (CETA) and wanted the EU and Canada to sign the deal this month.

But Wallonia’s leader Paul Magnette refused to give his approval, forcing Belgium to withhold its support and so leaving the EU short of the unanimous agreement required to sign the treaty.

Canadian trade minister Chrystia Freeland left the talks as last-ditch negotiations to change Mr Magnette’s mind appeared to fail.