EUCCAN SUMMIT IN TORONTO

In September, EUCCAN hosted its annual summit in Toronto, to welcome the new EU Ambassador to Canada, featuring a series of insightful panel discussions under the theme “Navigating Challenges: EU-Canada Trade Strategies for a Sustainable Future.” H.E. Geneviève Tuts, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada is photographed below with Adrian Thomas, EUCCAN President.

The event brought together distinguished speakers from government, business, and diplomatic sectors to explore the evolving dynamics of EU-Canada relations. Discussions covered critical topics such as adapting to shifting geopolitical landscapes, enhancing economic security in bilateral trade, and fostering innovation for sustainable growth.

The new Ambassador’s participation highlighted the strong commitment to furthering EU-Canada cooperation in areas like green technology, digital governance, and strategic partnerships. This event underscored the importance of the EU-Canada relationship in addressing global challenges and seizing opportunities for mutual growth in an ever-changing international environment.

EU TRADE POLICY POST ELECTIONS

The European Union is navigating a complex trade landscape as it selects new leadership and faces external challenges. The appointment of a new trade commissioner is pending, with expectations that the role will once again be a standalone position. This decision will be crucial in shaping the EU’s trade agenda for the coming years. Slovakia’s Maroš Šefčovič been tapped for the role of trade commissioner in Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as European Commission president.

It’s going to be a tough gig: Von der Leyen has downgraded the EU’s traditional pursuit of free-trade agreements to emphasize policies that, in an increasingly hostile world, would transform Europe into a fortress. And she wants to wrap issues like trade defense and a new economic security strategy into a new economic foreign policy.

Externally, the EU is grappling with escalating tensions with China, marked by ongoing trade defence investigations and disputes over electric vehicle tariffs. Relations with the United States remain uncertain, particularly with the potential return of Donald Trump and his proposed tariff policies. These challenges are compelling the EU to implement and refine its recently developed unilateral trade tools, including the anti-coercion instrument.

Progress on new free trade agreements is likely to be limited due to internal EU divisions and increasing demands from trade partners. Instead, the EU is focusing on securing access to critical raw materials through non-binding agreements with various countries. This shift reflects the bloc’s priorities in achieving its environmental and digital targets.

The implementation of recently adopted trade tools, such as the deforestation regulation (likely to be delayed) and carbon border adjustment mechanism, is becoming a key focus. However, these initiatives are facing pushback from both member states and trade partners, with calls for postponement and threats of legal action at the World Trade Organization.

Economic security is emerging as a major theme, with the concept of “de-risking” gaining traction. However, member states appear reluctant to grant more powers to the Commission in areas such as investment screening and export controls. This tension between EU-level ambitions and national sovereignty concerns will likely shape the bloc’s trade policy in the coming years.

Overall, the EU’s trade policy agenda post-elections is characterized by a delicate balance between pursuing strategic autonomy, maintaining international competitiveness, and navigating complex geopolitical relationships. Clearly, the EU bloc faces the challenge of implementing its new trade tools while managing internal divisions and external pressures.

EU and Canada adopted a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)

EU adopts first ever Mutual Recognition Agreement for professional qualifications.

The EU and Canada adopted a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on the professional qualifications of architects – the first bilateral MRA for professional qualifications to be concluded by the EU to make professional mobility easier. The MRA will make it easier for architects from the EU and Canada to work in the other jurisdiction, by facilitating the recognition of their qualifications.
This agreement simplifies the recognition of EU qualifications in Canada, removing a major hurdle for European architects who want to work abroad. No more jumping through licensing hoops—just a straightforward process to bring your skills to the Canadian market🌍👷‍♀️
The MRA opens new doors 🚪 for architects on both sides of the Atlantic.

Update on the EU deforestation law

The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is progressing through the legislative process, with the EU Council recently approving a delay to extend its implementation timeline. The next crucial step is a vote in the European Parliament, expected in mid-November. While disagreements persist in Parliament over EUDR enforcement, the delay will become law once both Parliament and Council give formal approval. Although unlikely, last-minute political shifts in EU environmental legislation are not unprecedented, leaving a slim possibility for Parliament to seek amendments.

The European Commission has indicated that the Information System for businesses to register their statements will be ready “soon,” allowing operators and traders to submit their statements during a phase-in period before the regulation’s entry into force. Stakeholders are advised to consult the updated FAQ and Guidance documents for further details on implementation and compliance.

Regulatory Developments in Canada

Canada adopts new greenwashing laws under the Competition Act

New amendments to the Competition Act in Canada are now in force via Bill C-59. Many of these amendments target “greenwashing” – a common shorthand for misleading environmental claims about products or business practices. In Canada, greenwashing has been regulated primarily as a form of deceptive marketing, recognized as anti-competitive conduct. As a result, regulatory oversight over greenwashing has come under the purview of Competition Bureau Canada (the “Competition Bureau”). The new amendments to the Competition Act introduce a more targeted prohibition against greenwashing, and expand the means of enforcement.

Intra-Company Transferees in Canada

Partner David Crawford spoke to Canadian HR Reporter regarding recent updates impacting intra-company transferees in Canada. He highlights the stricter eligibility criteria and the emphasis on ensuring that ICT roles directly support Canadian operations, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the local labour market.

Canada Advances Sustainable Investment Taxonomy

The Government of Canada recently announced the details of a governance framework outlining priority sectors and timelines for made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines, along with their intention to introduce amendments to the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) to address climate disclosures.

The Government of Canada will establish an external expert organization to develop the Canadian taxonomy, with its overall focus aimed at guiding the financial sector in making “green” and “transition” investments in service of a net-zero emissions economy.

Canada Joins Horizon Europe  

Canada joined the European family of research and innovation, becoming part of Horizon Europe. With a budget of €93.5 billion for 2021-27, Horizon Europe is the world’s largest R&I programme. Canadian researchers and organisations have the opportunity to participate in the programme on equal terms with their EU counterparts.

Other News

4th Annual Report on the implementation and enforcement of EU Trade policy:

Webinar with Denis Redonnet who will share the latest on:

📜 Trade agreements
🔍 Enforcement
🌐 Market access solutions