29 October 2026 - On the occasion of the EU-Canada Summit on 29 and 30 October 2026 in Montreal, the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) advocates for significantly closer economic ties between Canada and the EU. This would open new opportunities for many German businesses. In light of geopolitical challenges, both sides should also push forward an alliance with the countries of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to strengthen rule-based global trade.

© DIHK / Werner Schuering

“Europe and Canada should view geopolitical upheavals as a wake-up call to elevate their economic partnership to a new level. With the trade agreement CETA, we have a strong foundation, but its potential is far from fully utilised. Now we need to consistently eliminate trade barriers, harmonise rules, and pave new business pathways for companies. In times of increasing protectionism, strong partners willing to open markets together and based on rules are essential,” says Volker Treier, DIHK's Head of Foreign Trade.

Eliminating Trade Barriers, Strengthening Economic Security

The DIHK sees specific action needs in implementing the CETA trade agreement, which still needs full ratification by nine EU member states. The mutual recognition of testing and conformity assessments should also be advanced. This would save businesses unnecessary costs and bureaucratic effort. An ambitious EU-Canada digital agreement could further facilitate cross-border trade and provide greater legal certainty.

Additional opportunities exist in deepened raw material and energy partnerships as well as collaboration in research, innovation and skilled labour. Canada has been part of the second pillar of Horizon Europe, the EU's research programme, since 2024. Furthermore, the DIHK advocates for a stronger involvement of Canada in Erasmus+. There are also shared interests in Arctic cooperation. “Canada is far more than an important trading partner for the German economy. The country offers tremendous potential to diversify our raw material and energy supplies and reduce strategic dependencies. What is key is that closer collaboration translates into concrete projects and investments. This would benefit businesses on both sides of the Atlantic—while simultaneously strengthening our competitiveness and economic security,” Treier adds.

Further information: The DIHK's specific proposals are summarised in the position paper “Strengthening EU-Canada Relations” (only available in German).