Canada-EU Summit: Strengthening Ties, Creating Jobs, and Addressing Global Challenges

In the culmination of the 19th Canada-European Union (EU) Leaders’ Summit in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President of the European Council Charles Michel, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen underscored their commitment to fostering robust economies, generating middle-class jobs, and confronting shared global challenges.

The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), in force for over six years, has proven instrumental in bolstering trade between the two entities. The summit focused on the significance of Canadian resources, particularly critical minerals and hydrogen, meeting the increasing European demand for clean energy. Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted noteworthy progress in Canadian hydrogen exports to European markets, signalling positive economic outcomes.

Moreover, Canada is facilitating the European Union’s acquisition of De Havilland water bomber aircraft, which supports Canadian workers and enhances Europe’s firefighting capabilities. The announcement underscored the pragmatic aspect of this economic collaboration, emphasizing the creation of jobs for Canadian workers.

The leaders launched the Canada-EU Green Alliance to strengthen the joint commitment to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Trudeau welcomed the European Union as the latest partner in the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge, emphasizing pollution pricing as an effective means to tackle climate change while supporting the middle class.

In the face of global challenges, the leaders addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Canada pledged military assistance, including small arms and ammunition valued at nearly $60 million, emphasizing support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.

The summit also saw the deepening of Canada and the EU’s commitment to digital collaboration with the launch of the Canada-EU Digital Partnership. Emphasizing the pragmatic nature of the partnership, Trudeau underscored its role in addressing challenges in digital transformation while protecting citizens’ interests.

The joint statement issued after the summit encapsulated the shared vision for a strong, prosperous future on both sides of the Atlantic, underlining the collaborative efforts in protecting the environment, supporting research, and fostering innovation.

The leaders reiterated Canada’s commitment to the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and CETA, emphasizing the pragmatic implementation and expansion of cooperation. The 2022 trade value of $147.0 billion in combined goods and services reflects the substantial economic collaboration between Canada and the EU.

The summit showcased concrete initiatives such as the Canada-EU Enhanced Action Plan on Hydrogen and the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership on Raw Materials, contributing to sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, financial agreements, including a $125 million loan to EverWind Energy’s hydrogen project, indicated practical steps toward clean energy initiatives.