NEWS RELEASES
AXWORTHY AND EGGLETON WELCOME EUROPEAN UNION DECISION TO START NEGOTIATIONS ON CLOSER RELATIONS WITH CANADA
March 26, 1996 No. 50
AXWORTHY AND EGGLETON WELCOME EUROPEAN UNION
DECISION TO START NEGOTIATIONS ON CLOSER RELATIONS WITH
CANADA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Minister for International Trade Art
Eggleton today welcomed the decision by the European Council of Ministers to begin
negotiations leading to a Canada-European Union Political Declaration and an
Action Plan on closer transatlantic economic and political co-operation. This
latest development comes as a response to a Canadian proposal for renewed
transatlantic relations that was made in mid-January.
"This decision confirms the importance that the European Union attaches to its
relations with Canada," said Mr. Axworthy. "These relations need to be redefined
and strengthened to take account of the new dynamics emerging from European
integration."
Canada is seeking to enhance bilateral co-operation with the European Union in
many areas including foreign and security policy, and global issues such as human
rights, international crime, migration and the environment. Canada and the
European Union will expand people-to-people contacts such as student exchanges, a
transatlantic business dialogue and regular meetings of parliamentarians.
High on the Canadian agenda is a proposal for a detailed study on the benefits of
transatlantic trade liberalization. Two-way trade between Canada and the European
Union expanded by 18 per cent last year. During that period, Canadian exports to
Europe increased by 33 per cent to total more than $16 billion.
"These discussions mark the beginning of an era of increased co-operation on trade
and economic relations as well as on political ties," Mr. Eggleton said. "With
increased market opportunities in Europe, there will be more business for Canadian
companies and more jobs for Canadians."
The first round of negotiations is scheduled to start on April 2 in Brussels, less
than two weeks after the visit to Ottawa of the Vice-President of the European
Commission, Sir Leon Brittan. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade will form the Canadian delegation involved in the
discussions that will define the parameters of a new, strengthened relationship.
The decision to deepen transatlantic relations is the result of consultations
among Canada, the European Commission and Member States of the European Union in
recent months. This follows a proposal along those lines made in December 1994 by
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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