Canada and the EU

Political relations

The EU and Canada enjoy a vibrant strategic partnership built on effective multilateralism, a progressive international policy agenda and inclusive trade. New political opportunities under the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and new trade opportunities under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) have brought Canada and the EU closer than ever, a close friendship and a reliable partnership further enhanced by the current geopolitical environment. The 17th Canada-European Union Summit, which took place between 17 and 18 July 2019 in Montreal, offered a great opportunity to highlight the success of EU-Canada relations. Read Joint Declaration here.

Strengthening strategic cooperation

The framework for the EU-Canada relationship is set out in the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), an update of the 1976 Framework Agreement for Commercial and Economic Cooperation.The SPA reflects more recent global developments, advancing Canada-EU foreign policy goals while providing a platform for joint international action. It reinforces cooperation in strategic areas such as:

international peace and security
human rights
environmental protection
research
innovation
energy security
education.

Working together on these issues of shared interest and responsibility, the EU holds regular consultations with Canada, including Summits between the Canadian Prime Minister and the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, ministerial consultations and dialogues of the Political Directors. Additionally, there are ongoing specific consultations on regional and global issues ranging from energy, environment and climate change to non-proliferation, defence and security matters.

Canada also participates in the EU’s civilian missions and military operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy, for example in the Balkans, Ukraine and the Middle East. Additionally, Canada and the EU join forces on electoral observation missions.

Economic and Trade relations

A strong supporter of free trade, Canada has always been a natural ally for the EU. In 2018, Canada was the EU's 10th most important trading partner, accounting for 2% of the total external trade with the EU. In turn, as Canada's second most important trading partner, the EU accounted for 10% of Canada's total external trade and the total value of the two-way trade between the EU and Canada was €72.3 billion for goods (2018) and €34.9 billion for services (2017). For more information on EU-Canada trade, please click here.

CETA

EU-Canada trade and economic activity is further boosted by the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). CETA is not just one of the most ambitious trade agreements the EU has ever concluded, but also the most progressive. CETA goes beyond just removing customs duties and contains ambitious chapters on sustainable development, labour and the environment. It offers significant benefits for the economies, businesses and consumers in both Canada and the EU.

CETA has been applied provisionally since 21 September 2017. Provisional application allows for a meaningful application of the substance of the agreement right from the start. Some areas, such as the provisions related to investment protection and the investor-state dispute settlement mechanism (Chapter VIII) have yet to be approved by all the national parliaments of the EU Member States before full entry into force. National ratifications have been completed already in Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Romania, and are well underway in a number of other EU Member States.

Companies are taking advantage of the new and easier trading opportunities. In 2019, the overall EU exports to Canada (goods and services) totalled €58.9 billion and its overall imports reached €33.3 billion. This represents, respectively, an increase of 27.2% and 46.8% as compared to the situation before CETA entered into force.

CETA explained: Learn more about the business opportunities offered by the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

For more information on CETA, please click here

A number of practical resources have been developed for companies seeking to better understand the concrete advantages of CETA. For an updated list please click here

If you have any questions regarding trade promotion, please contact a trade representative of one of the EU Member States directly. Please see the full list here eu_member_states_embassies_consulates_and_chambers_of_commerce_in_canada.pdf

Access2Markets is your one-stop shop for information on requirements for exporting to the EU.

Arctic relations

EU countries Finland, Sweden and Denmark (via Greenland) all have Arctic territories and are members of the Arctic Council, as is Canada. The EU itself enjoys the rights of an active observer at the Arctic Council. This enables the EU to better understand and address concerns of Arctic partners while developing its EU Arctic Policy in close cooperation between the European Commission, the European Parliament and EU countries.

As the preeminent forum for Arctic cooperation, an important element of the Council is the inclusion of the Arctic indigenous peoples, with special ‘Permanent Participants’ status.

The EU and Canada are already cooperating on Arctic issues, such as marine science research under the new Horizon 2020 programme.

Another area for cooperation concerns the conservation of fish stocks. Canada and the EU agree in principle on the need for a science based, precautionary approach, based on national and international law, notably the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

As well as at sea, Canadian and EU cooperation helps safeguard the skies. An office with responsibility for the relationship with the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a branch of the Ottawa Delegation, operating in Montreal since 2005.

Public diplomacy

The Delegation of the EU to Canada, in close cooperation with the missions of EU countries, promotes European culture year-round through a number of well-established public diplomacy activities. These events have been effective in increasing the knowledge and understanding of the EU and its relations with Canada.

Europe Day

Each 9 May Europe Day celebrates peace and unity in Europe as it marks the anniversary of the historic 1950 Schuman Declaration, which set out a vision for a new form of European political cooperation which sought to make war between European nations unthinkable. Europe Day is celebrated in Ottawa and in other major Canadian cities.

European Day of Languages

The European Day of Languages is celebrated on 26 September each year. The Delegation, together with EU countries and local public school boards, organises mini-language classes and country-specific displays in Ottawa, among other activities.

European Union Film Festival

Every year, the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) gives Canadians from coast to coast — Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa — a chance to experience Europe's diverse and rich film heritage.

Whether highlighting historic events, political subjects or personal dilemmas, European films are intellectually stimulating and culturally engaging.

The festival runs for 2 weeks in late November/early December, with the exception of Quebec City where it is held in May. It is organised by the Delegation, the Diplomatic Missions and cultural institutes of EU countries in cooperation with Canadian film industry partners.

European Union Christmas Concert

Since 2008, the Delegation, together with EU countries and local choirs, has organised a Christmas concert showcasing the very best of European Christmas carols. The event, held at Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa, has become a Christmas tradition drawing more than 1,500 people.

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