Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today issued the following statement on Europe Day:
“This Europe Day, we join our friends in Europe and around the world in celebrating the continued success of the European Union (EU) and the values of democracy, peace and unity that She defends.
“Our formal relationship with the EU dates back to 1959, making Canada the EU’s oldest industrialized partner. Since then, our ties have only grown closer. Under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, we are creating good middle-class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Through the Strategic Partnership Agreement, we are extending this relationship to areas ranging from security and defense to infrastructure, health and clean energy. In addition, the recently established Canada-European Union Green Alliance will allow us to strengthen our joint efforts to protect the environment and fight climate change.
“Europe Day reminds us that we are stronger when we work together. This reflection comes at an important time, with Russia continuing its brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, endangering European and global security. Canada and the EU remain united in their support for Ukraine as it defends itself. As it is stated in Our North, strong and freewhich presents a renewed vision for our armed forces, our participation in NATO collective defense measures in Europe will only increase over the coming years, notably within the framework of Operation REASSURANCE, which is currently our largest overseas operation.
“Unity is at the heart of our relationship with Europe. Whether during world wars or within the United Nations as in the areas of trade, innovation, health, Canada and Europe will always be close partners. Together, let’s continue to build a safer, fairer and more prosperous world. Happy Europe Day! »
