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EU-Canada relations

Summary

  • The EU and Canada are like-minded partners who uphold democracy and share common values. 
  • Canada is the first country to be invited to be an associate member of the EU.
  • Both parties cooperate in strategic areas, such as trade, environmental protection and technological innovation. 

The EU and Canada are set to build a deeper and more integrated relationship with unparalleled trade access, shared values, and complementary economic strengths. They will meet at a joint summit in Montreal on 29-30 October to shape the next steps. In challenging times, forging this new alliance is vital.

Towards a new partnership

In the 2026 State of Union address, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen opened the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU, and build together an Alliance for the Future: to create a common prosperity and economic security space, create a tech alliance and integrate defence industrial bases.

Mark Carney and Ursula von der Leyen together in front of the EU and Canada flags
16 September 2026 - Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Relations at the highest possible level - what are the possibilities?

Building on numerous existing agreements and cooperation between the EU and Canada, this new model of association will span a wide range of areas, potentially including but not limited to:  

  • investment in critical mineral projects 
  • breaking down digital trade barriers 
  • integrating defence industrial bases 
  • joint support for Ukraine 
  • investing in fighting wildfires

Structures will be put in place to ensure that the EU and Canada mutually support and reinforce each other.

Common areas of action

  • Trade

    Trade between the EU and Canada

    The EU is Canada's second-largest trading partner, after the United States and ahead of China. Both the EU and Canada are among the largest traders of goods and services in the world.  

    Mutual trade is conducted according to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which provisionally entered into force in September 2017. By 2024, 99% of all tariff lines had been abolished.

  • EU-Canada trade facts for 2025
    80.00%increase since 2016 for bilateral trade in goods and services
  • EU-Canada trade facts for 2025
    €130.00billionreached from goods and services traded
What is CETA?

CETA is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between EU and Canada. It brings benefits for people and businesses around Europe, by 

  • eliminating most customs duties and cutting red tape 
  • making it easier for Europeans to work in Canada 
  • ensuring EU companies’ access to the Canadian services market.
  • Climate and environment

    Both are committed to tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution

    EU and Canada share the aim of becoming climate-neutral by 2050 and are strengthening efforts to accelerate the green transition through the EU-Canada Green Alliance established in 2023.

    In 2025, Canada joined the EU as co-convener of the Global Methane Pledge, driving the international commitment to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.

  • Energy

    Cooperation on energy

    The EU Canada High-Level Energy Dialogue, established in 2007, brings the two sides together to cooperate on energy. It covers key areas for cooperation such as energy security, energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy supply chains, including for key resources such as hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, and nuclear fuels and services. 

    Canada is a net exporter to the EU of most energy commodities and is a significant producer of conventional and unconventional oil, natural gas, hydroelectricity and renewable energy.  

  • Digital

    A shared vision for a digital economy and society at the service of people

    The EU-Canada Digital Partnership, launched in 2023, reflects a shared vision for a digital economy and society at the service of people. The EU and Canada work together on artificial intelligence, secure international connectivity, cyber security, online platforms, digital identity and digital skills.  

    Negotiations are currently under way on establishing a digital trade agreement.

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