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The European Court of Justice has determined every single national and regional parliament across the European Union must approve a new trade deal with Singapore. This poses a worrying precedent for Theresa May and her Brexit ministers who had hoped only the European Commission would be needed to secure approval. This means the UK’s post-Brexit trade deal will need to be approved by dozens of parliaments across the bloc - including those in several countries who said the country must be punished for leaving the union.

GETTY The European Court of Justice will make a landmark ruling today with Brexit implications

It risks a repeat of the calamitous EU-Canada trade deal, which was initially vetoed after being opposed by just one Belgian regional parliament. The ruling by the ECJ said approving the Singapore deal does not “fall within the exclusive competence of the EU”. It said: “The free trade agreement with Singapore cannot, in its current form, be concluded by the EU alone. “The free trade agreement with Singapore can, as it stands, be concluded only by the EU and Member States acting together.” READ MORE: Which countries want to make Brexit trade deals?

Today’s ruling could set a precedent for how the UK will be treated during its EU negotiation. Steve Peers, a professor of EU law at the University of Essex, said it was not all bad news however as most of the Singapore deal DID fall withint he EU's control. He Tweeted: "Most of EU/Singapore free trade deal within exclusive competence of the EU. "Only the provisions on portfolio investment are shared competence with the Member States. "This makes most EU trade deals easier. Especially a Brexit deal, as UK and EU side have expressed no interest in investment in future FTA." READ MORE: What is the EU single market, free trade area and customs union?

Brexit Negotiations: Britain's sternest enemies Tue, April 4, 2017 According to a new index, the EU27 countries fall into three groups: hard-core, hard and soft. These are the countries with the highest scores which indicate a fairly strong opposition to Britain’s position Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 7 France has the highest score in the index at 32.5

[The Singapore deal] will clarify a lot of issues that might arise when negotiating a long-term, post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU Steve Peers

He explained earlier this week a good announcement by EU lawmakers today could have helped Mrs May realise her promise of a trade deal within two years of leaving the bloc. He said: “May’s objective of a comprehensive trade deal being agreed within two years were never very realistic. “If it has to be ratified by all national parliaments, that’s even less realistic.

GETTY The European Court of Justice will make the trade deal ruling this morning

“If it has to be ratified by all national parliaments, that’s even less realistic. READ MORE: What is the EU single market, free trade area and customs union?

GETTY David Davis is among those waiting for the Singapore trade deal ruling