#Canada-EULeadersSummit

[thxnews]

Canada-EU Summit in St. John’s: Global Diplomatic Gathering

  A Gathering of Partners: Canada and the European Union

In a move that underlines the significance of global cooperation and diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada is set to welcome leaders of the European Union (EU) for the 19th Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit. This historic meeting will take place in the picturesque setting of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, from November 23 to 24, 2023. The Summit will be an extraordinary event, featuring the Prime Minister of Canada alongside the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada said, “The Canada-EU relationship is more important than ever. I look forward to meeting with President Michel and President von der Leyen to discuss how we can address the most pressing challenges of our time. Together, we will work to grow the middle class, improve quality of life, and build clean economies on both sides of the Atlantic.”   A Heritage of Collaboration: The Canada-EU Relationship Notably, the Canada-EU Leaders’ Summits are a significant facet of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), underpinning the strength of their partnership. As Prime Minister Trudeau prepares to host this esteemed gathering, it's worth mentioning that the last Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit was held in Brussels, Belgium, on June 14, 2021. This marks the first official visit to Canada for President Charles Michel in his capacity as President of the European Council and the second official visit to Canada for President Ursula von der Leyen in her role as President of the European Commission.  

A Long-standing Connection: Canada-EU Relations

Dating back to 1959, the Canada-EU relationship stands as the oldest formal connection the EU maintains with any industrialized country. This long-standing collaboration is fortified by two pivotal agreements: the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). In 2022, the combined trade in goods and services between Canada and the EU reached an impressive value of $147.0 billion. An indication of the burgeoning ties between the two regions, this figure underscores the substantial economic and trade relations that have developed over time.   St. John’s: An Ideal Host for the Canada-EU Summit The choice of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador, as the host city for the 19th Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit carries its significance. Situated in the easternmost part of Canada, St. John’s boasts North America’s nearest port to European markets, underlining its strategic location. A standout feature in the region is the Port of Argentina, which serves as North America’s primary gateway for European offshore wind developers. This geographical proximity to European markets and the robust infrastructure in place make St. John’s an ideal host for this momentous diplomatic event.  

Building on Strong Foundations: Agenda for the Summit

The Summit's agenda is extensive and centers around reinforcing the commitments established during the 2021 Canada-EU Leaders' Summit in Belgium. Key areas of focus include creating jobs and opportunities for strengthening the middle class, combating climate change and addressing biodiversity loss, fostering increased collaboration on technology, research, and innovation, and building sustainable and resilient economies for future generations. One pivotal aspect to be reaffirmed is the commitment to strengthening trade under the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This trade agreement has been pivotal in bolstering economic ties between Canada and the EU, providing a platform for expanded trade and investment opportunities.   A Shared Commitment to Global Progress: Promoting Democracy and Equality In addition to the economic and trade aspects, Prime Minister Trudeau, President Charles Michel, and President Ursula von der Leyen will collectively delve into the shared commitment of Canada and the EU. They aim to promote democracy, safeguard human rights, champion clean energy, foster gender equality, and uphold the rule of law on a global scale. This profound commitment underscores their joint endeavor to create a better, more equitable world for all. In an era where international collaboration is more crucial than ever, the 19th Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy and partnership in addressing global challenges. It is a pivotal moment for leaders to not only reinforce their existing bonds but also to explore new avenues for cooperation in a changing world. As the Summit unfolds in the idyllic surroundings of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador, it serves as a reminder that international diplomacy and collaboration remain at the forefront of shaping a better future for all.   Sources: THX News & The Canadian Government. Read the full article