In a significant diplomatic engagement, the European Union Ambassador to Canada, along with 18 EU Heads of Mission, has launched a two-day official visit to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
This mission marks the beginning of a broader Team Europe initiative targeting enhanced cooperation with Canadian provinces and territories throughout 2025.
The visit underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Canada beyond the federal level, directly engaging with local governments, businesses, and communities nationwide.
EU Ambassador Geneviève Tuts commented: “At a time when the rules-based international order is continuously challenged, forging closer ties with our friends and reliable partners has become more imperative than ever.
“We remain committed to working together with Canada and the Canadian provinces and territories to effectively address the increasingly challenging global landscape.”
High-level delegation reflects united European engagement
The visiting delegation includes ambassadors and high commissioners from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Their unified presence in Winnipeg highlights the European Union’s collaborative approach under the Team Europe framework, aimed at reinforcing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with Canada.
Fostering trade, innovation, and Horizon Europe opportunities
The EU Heads of Mission will engage in key meetings with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and participate in ministerial roundtables focused on trade and investment, clean energy, and innovation.
One of the primary goals of this mission is to deepen understanding and cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest, including critical raw materials and research opportunities under Horizon Europe — the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme.
A major focus of the visit will be reinforcing the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
European leaders aim to showcase how CETA enhances transatlantic trade, fortifies global supply chains, and fosters collaboration in rapidly evolving sectors such as biotechnology and digital innovation.
Strengthening local connections and strategic alliances
While in Winnipeg, the EU Heads of Mission will also hold discussions with the Business Council of Manitoba and the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce.
These meetings are designed to explore new channels for economic cooperation and community engagement.
The delegation will tour the Canadian NORAD Headquarters and CentrePort Canada, highlighting Manitoba’s role as a vital trade and logistics hub in North America.
Additionally, EU representatives will connect with members of the European community residing in Manitoba, reinforcing the cultural and social bonds between Canada and the EU.
A renewed vision for EU-Canada relations
This visit by the EU Heads of Mission demonstrates a renewed and strategic emphasis on building resilient international partnerships through grassroots diplomacy.
As global challenges grow increasingly complex, initiatives like this underscore the EU’s intention to remain a reliable and engaged partner to Canada at all levels of governance.
