Amid the ongoing global crises across the world, top diplomats from Canada and the European Union (EU) met for their 19th EU-Canada summit in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on November 23-24. New ratifications are in place between the two sides on matters of predominant concern as Canada looks to establish and cement their position in the European world.
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Cementing relations for a prosperous future
As Canada looks forward to creating a cooperative relationship with the EU, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel at St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, for the 19th EU-Canada summit.
The sides agreed on further progress in new partnerships like digital transformation, green energy, and research funding. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in his opening remarks, announced that Canada is joining a $100-billion scientific research program called Horizon Europe. The two parties, in a joint statement, said that significant negotiations are complete and that the sides are working towards a “prompt signature and implementation.”
Canada and the EU commenced negotiations on Ottawa joining it a year ago, with an initial goal of signing the agreement this past spring. PM Justin Trudeau said that Canadian companies are already benefiting from the Horizon, and the agreement allows more access as the sides are partners now. He added that the partnership is evidence of the long-standing cooperation between scientists of both parties.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that the sides had a great summit and confirmed the mutual alignment of Canada and the EU in values and worldviews. She pointed out the sturdy bilateral cooperation between the sides that achieved significant results in the fields of trade, climate, innovation, and digital.
Productive Ratifications to prove effective
- 1. Green Alliance:- The sides announced a program called the Green Alliance focusing on strengthening partnerships in fighting climate change, intensifying technological and scientific cooperation, and halting biodiversity loss. Green Alliances are the most comprehensive form of bilateral agreement under the European Green Deal.
- 2. Global Carbon Pricing Challenge:- The European Union is becoming a part of the challenge launched by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at COP26, which aims at increasing the explicit carbon pricing coverage of global emissions to 60% by 2030.
- 3. Digital Partnership:- The partnership reflects a shared alignment for a digital economy and society at the service of people. The sides have agreed on working together in significant areas like secure international connectivity, Artificial Intelligence, online platforms, digital identity, digital skills, and cyber security.
- 4. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA):- The leaders underlined the vital role that the EU-Canada’s CETA plays in this regard. Trade in goods increased by 66%, reaching €77 billion in 2022, while trade in services increased by 46% over the last six years.
- 5. Raw Materials:- The leaders emphasized the significance of progressing cooperation on raw materials, which is a necessary step in achieving the transition to climate-neutral and digitalized economies and enhancing economic security.
- 6. EU-Canada Passenger Name Record (PNR) Agreement:- An important step to combat terrorism and other serious transnational crimes, while ensuring privacy protection.
- 7. Security and Defence Policy:- The sides welcomed Canada’s upcoming participation in the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) Project on the network of logistics hubs. The sides Reaffirmed interest in enhancing security and defense dialogue.
Solidarity on the Ukraine crisis
Canada and the EU reiterated their support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s aggression. The sides expressed their unequivocal commitment to attain sustainable peace based on international law for Ukraine. Canada and the European Union indicated their intention to support Ukraine on sustainable security and provide humanitarian, economic, military, and financial aid.
The sides stressed the point of ceasing aggression by Russia and to bear the legal repercussions, including compensation for the damages caused. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada is donating additional small arms and ammunition to Ukraine.
Canada-EU’s Perspective on Israel-Hamas
The sides showed their disapproval of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, per international law. The sides called for the immediate release of the hostages and to extend the humanitarian pause to deliver essential supplies. The sides stressed the fact that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people or their legitimate aspirations.
Bolstering ties with China
The sides expressed their interest in building productive and stable relations with China. Cooperation on global issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, global health, and pandemic preparedness. Canada and the European Union conveyed their concern about the growing tension in the Taiwan Strait. The sides identified China as a pivotal trade and economic partner and sought to ensure mutual benefits.
