EU and Canada reportedly set to announce broad partnership at October summit
The EU and Canada plan to use their October summit in Montreal to unveil a wide-ranging partnership covering Ukraine support, critical minerals and energy, Politico reports citing a document sent to EU ambassadors.
The European Union and Canada intend to use their upcoming summit in Montreal this October to announce a new large-scale partnership, according to Politico, which cites a document circulated to EU ambassadors ahead of the meeting. The report was relayed by Yevropeiska Pravda.
The planned cooperation would span a broad range of areas, from removing barriers to digital trade to joint support for Ukraine and investment in wildfire prevention. A draft joint statement the two sides are expected to release states that the world is changing rapidly, facing unprecedented geopolitical challenges alongside difficulties in trade, energy, technology, climate and resources.
Critical minerals and energy security
At the Montreal summit, the EU and Canada plan to announce their intention to accelerate investment in critical minerals extraction projects, strengthen supply chains and improve supply security — including by building stockpiles of critical resources to cushion against market fluctuations and geopolitical shocks. The draft document says the partners will align strategies and standards, bring industries together, and focus efforts on sectors that deliver the greatest benefit to both populations, including developing reliable, low-carbon energy sources much of the world needs, from liquefied natural gas to hydropower, solar, wind and nuclear energy.
Firefighting aircraft and Ukraine support
Ottawa and Brussels are also expected to announce a joint purchase of 50 De Havilland aircraft, intended to be ready for use in both Canada and Europe by 2030 to help fight wildfires.
Earlier, on September 16, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she intended to work with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to open the possibility for Canada to become the EU's first associate member. The European Commission subsequently confirmed that Canada is currently negotiating with the EU to join the bloc's €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan programme.
