Canada, EU ‘closing in’ on digital trade deal ahead of summit: minister
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu was in Ireland on Thursday to push forward negotiations ahead of next week's Canada-EU Summit in Montreal.
Canada and the European Union are making progress in negotiating a digital trade agreement, which would facilitate cross-border business activities, according to International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu. The pair are set to meet in Montreal next week for the Canada-EU Summit. The negotiations center on easing restrictions on e-signatures, e-contracts, paperless trade, secure data transfers, and duties on electronic transactions and e-commerce.
Canadian exports of digital services to the EU reached nearly $15 billion in 2024, presenting an opportunity for further growth. Prime Minister Mark Carney has been focusing on strengthening ties with Europe, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has hinted that Canada might become an associate member of the EU. The next steps in this deeper partnership are anticipated to be announced during the summit.
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