In a significant diplomatic involvement, the European Union Ambassador of the United States of America, along with 18 EU mission heads, has launched a two-day official visit to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The mission marks the beginning of a broader Team Europe initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation with Canadian provinces and territories throughout 2025.
The visit highlights the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with Canada beyond the federal level and is directly engaging with local governments, businesses and communities across the country.
EU ambassador Genevieve Cütz commented: “When international regulations-based orders are constantly being challenged, building close relationships with friends and trustworthy partners has become more essential than ever.
“We remain committed to working with Canada and Canadian provinces and territories to effectively address increasingly challenging global landscapes.”
High-level delegations reflect a unified European engagement
The visitor’s mandate includes ambassadors and high commissioners for Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Their unified presence in Winnipeg highlights the European Union’s joint approach under the Team Europe framework, which aims to strengthen diplomatic, economic and cultural relations with Canada.
Promote trade, innovation and Horizon Europe opportunities
The EU mission head will be taking part in a key meeting with Manitoba Prime Minister Wab Kinuu and will be taking part in a minister’s roundtable focused on trade and investment, clean energy and innovation.
One of the main goals of this mission is to deepen understanding and cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest, including key raw materials and research opportunities under Horizon Europe.
The main focus of the visit is to strengthen the EU Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The European leader aims to help CETA strengthen transatlantic trade, strengthen global supply chains and encourage collaboration in rapidly evolving sectors such as biotechnology and digital innovation.
Strengthening local connections and strategic alliances
While in Winnipeg, the EU mission head will also hold discussions with the Manitoba Business Council and the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce.
These conferences are designed to explore new channels for economic cooperation and community engagement.
The delegation patrols the Canadian Norado headquarters and the Canadian centre, highlighting Manitoba’s role as a key trade and logistics hub for North America.
Additionally, EU representatives will connect with members of the European Community living in Manitoba and strengthen the cultural and social ties between Canada and the EU.
A new vision for EU-Canada relations
The visit by the EU mission head shows a new strategic focus on building resilient international partnerships through grassroots diplomacy.
As global challenges become increasingly complex, such initiatives underscore the EU’s intention to remain a reliable and involved partner in Canada at all levels of governance.
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