Canada and EU Leaders Wrap up Montreal Summit with Trade and Education Deals Expected

Montreal – Canada and the European Union are expected to close a two-day summit in Montreal today by announcing a digital trade agreement and new academic exchange initiatives.

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa on Thursday. The three leaders met business representatives at a roundtable, with discussions centered on strengthening commercial and diplomatic ties.

Canada and the EU hold summits regularly, but organizers say this one is meant to take the partnership further than before. Costa told reporters he expects the digital trade agreement to be finalized before the summit ends. He also said to look for news on scientific research partnerships and student exchange programs between universities.

One point of friction is how to describe the relationship. The three leaders have said they would like Canada to be considered an “associate member” of the bloc. Some EU countries, including Germany, have rejected that phrasing, and Canadian officials have avoided using it.

The summit has also drawn opposition at home. Conservative critics argue that the government is pursuing new arrangements while an existing trade deal remains incomplete. Nine of the EU’s 28 member countries have still not ratified the agreement, which was signed about ten years ago.

Photo Courtesy: The Canadian Press/Christopher Katsarov