Canada-EU to Forge a New Strategic Partnership: Geneviève Tuts

European Union Ambassador to Canada Geneviève Tuts has revealed that the EU and Ottawa are working toward an unprecedented strategic partnership.

Her comments come ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s planned address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, next week. Carney has been invited to speak as a non-European leader.

According to Tuts, the proposed trade and strategic framework will be part of the broader security and economic alliance Carney highlighted last month. She said the partnership would be distinct from the EU’s existing agreements with countries such as Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom.

While media reports have suggested that a major deal could be signed next week, Tuts clarified that discussions will initially focus on the framework of the potential partnership. Following those talks, Brussels will consult its member states, while the Canadian government will engage with the provinces.

The partnership could then be formally announced at a summit expected to take place in late October.

Carney had previously said Canada would begin serious discussions with the European Union this fall on building a stronger economic and security partnership.