Germany’s constitutional court is hearing a case brought by campaigners against a free trade deal between the EU and Canada.<br /><br /> An activist group has organised a petition with 125,000 signatures.<br /><br /> “The economy must be beneficial for the society for the sake of the community and we must reject these kind of treaties, which don’t respect democratic principles,” said one protester. <br /><br /> The country’s vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel was in Karlsruhe to defend the agreement.<br /><br /> “This treaty is good because we will get eventually rules for globalisation. This treaty is good for Europe,” he said.<br /><br /> A ruling is expected on Thursday.<br /><br /> EU trade ministers are set to sign off on the deal next week.<br /><br /> And it will also need the green light from the European Parliament.<br /><br /> Supporters amongst MEPs say the accord will boost growth in Europe.<br /><br /> But if the court finds in favour of the activists, then it could scupper the planned final approval of the agreement at the end of the month.<br />
