The EU's 28 member states have approved a landmark free trade deal with Canada, the bloc said in a statement, clearing the way for it to be signed after years of negotiations.

"I am delighted to confirm that the EU is ready to sign the comprehensive economic and trade agreement with Canada. It represents a milestone in the EU's trade policy and our commitment to it," Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia, which currently holds the EU presidency, said in the statement.