DUBLIN: Canada and the European Union are seeking to expand their economic partnership as Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu meets European counterparts in Dublin to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The visit focuses on strengthening bilateral trade, improving economic security and identifying new opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Discussions also cover supply chain resilience, clean technology, critical minerals, defence cooperation and digital trade.
According to Global Affairs Canada, two-way trade in goods and services between Canada and the EU reached approximately C$178.3 billion in 2025. Bilateral merchandise trade has increased by more than 78 percent compared with pre-CETA levels, while trade in services has grown by nearly 90 percent.
The EU is Canada’s second-largest trading partner for goods and services and an important source of foreign direct investment.
Trade Agreement Supports Economic Cooperation
CETA entered into provisional application in September 2017, creating broader access to markets and reducing trade barriers across most sectors covered by the agreement.
Canadian officials say the agreement has helped businesses expand their access to European markets and has supported commercial ties between the two economies. The latest trade figures are being highlighted as both sides consider ways to strengthen the partnership in a changing global economic environment.
During the Dublin visit, Sidhu is scheduled to join European Commission Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee at an anniversary event examining the agreement’s contribution to trade, employment and economic development.
Digital trade is another priority in Canada-EU economic relations. Sidhu is expected to engage with European counterparts on negotiations for a Canada-EU Digital Trade Agreement.
The proposed agreement aims to improve regulatory predictability for Canadian companies operating in Europe and support greater interoperability between digital technologies and services.
Both sides are also exploring cooperation in sectors considered important to future economic competitiveness, including clean technology, critical minerals and resilient supply chains.
These discussions take place amid wider international efforts to diversify trading relationships and reduce vulnerabilities arising from disruptions to supply networks.
The Dublin meetings will help prepare for the Canada-EU Summit scheduled for October 29 and 30 in Montreal, Quebec. The summit is expected to provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss trade, investment and broader strategic cooperation.
Sidhu is also scheduled to meet Austria’s Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer and Slovenia’s Minister of the Economy, Labour and Sport Anže Logar.
The meeting with Logar will recognise Slovenia’s recent ratification of CETA and the growth of commercial ties between the two countries. Global Affairs Canada reports that Canada-Slovenia merchandise trade has increased by 117 percent since 2016.
Strengthening a Long-Term Partnership
In a statement ahead of the anniversary discussions, Sidhu said CETA had provided Canadian businesses with reliable access to a market of more than 450 million people. He also highlighted the growth in trade in goods and services since the agreement began provisional application.
For Canada and the EU, the next phase of cooperation will involve maintaining market access while responding to changing economic and security conditions.
The upcoming summit in Montreal is expected to build on the Dublin discussions and identify further opportunities for businesses, workers and investors across the transatlantic partnership.
Reported by: Mirza Maqbool Baig I Lahore
