Canada-European Union summit in Montreal concludes today with digital trade on agenda

Canada-European Union summit concludes today
Canada-European Union summit concludes today
Prime Minister Mark Carney, centre, gives remarks alongside President of the European Council Antonio Costa, left, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, at a roundtable with business leaders during the Canada-EU Summit, in Montreal, on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Writer

A major summit Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting with European Union leaders is set to conclude today with announcements on digital trade and academic exchanges.

Carney welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to the Canada-EU summit in Montreal on Thursday.

While these meetings have been happening for years, this one sees Canada and the EU scaling up their efforts to deepen their commercial and diplomatic relationship.

Costa said he expects to see an agreement on digital trade finalized today, and news on programs for scientific research partnerships and university student exchanges.

The three leaders said they would like to see Canada become an "associate member" of the European Union, despite countries like Germany rejecting that term and Canadian officials avoiding that phrasing.

Conservatives have criticized the summit, noting that nine of the 28 countries in the EU have yet to ratify a decade-old trade deal with Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2026.

By David Baxter | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

CanadaNews
  • The Canadian Press

    The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms. From breaking regional, national and international stories to the biggest events in politics, business, entertainment and lifestyle, The Canadian Press is there when it matters, giving Canadians an authentic, unbiased source, driven by truth, accuracy and timeliness.

Canada has issued travel warnings for 8 winter sun spots, including Cuba, Mexico & Jamaica

Escaping the cold this winter? Read this first.👇

4 injured after home invasion, shooting near Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood

4 injured after home invasion, shooting in Toronto

This cozy Ontario village was just named the best Christmas town in Canada

It was also named the second-best Christmas town in North America. ❄️

Recalls for cookies, gravy, cheese and more food items were recently issued in Canada

You can get a refund for the recalled items sold at Costco.

A new forecast says these parts of Canada will have a white Christmas this year

Some places only have a chance of a white Christmas.

Lotto Max winning numbers for Tuesday, October 27 are out and there's a $25 million jackpot

Check your tickets!

Man gets more than 16 years in prison for Islamic State knife attack on B.C. bus

Man sentenced for terror attack on B.C. bus

Female pedestrian killed in cement truck collision in Richmond, B.C.

Woman killed in B.C. cement truck collision