Canada and EU conclude first-ever digital trade agreement negotiations, Ottawa announces on Oct. 31

Canada · Trade · Oct. 31, 2026 · Canada and the European Union have concluded negotiations on a digital trade agreement, Global Affairs Canada announced in a readout published Oct. 31. It is the first agreement of its kind for Canada.

International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu met EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič on the margins of the Canada-EU Summit held in Montréal from Oct. 29 to 30, their third meeting this month. The two celebrated the successful conclusion of the negotiations, calling it an important step in deepening Canada-EU economic ties.

What the deal covers

According to the official readout, the agreement will modernize the bilateral trade framework for the digital economy, complement the benefits already provided by the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), and help businesses on both sides of the Atlantic compete and grow in an increasingly digital global marketplace. The readout did not publish a timeline for entry into force or the full treaty text.

Defence cooperation and next steps

Sidhu also welcomed growing defence industrial cooperation between Canada and the EU, noting a new contract awarded to Canadian defence technology company Galvion under the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. The two also discussed progress on bilateral trade issues and committed to building on the summit's momentum.

They will meet next at the upcoming Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership–EU ministerial dialogue in Hanoi, Vietnam. The conclusion of the digital trade talks follows the Oct. 30 summit's Alliance for the Future joint declaration, which this site has already covered.

Compiled from the Global Affairs Canada readout.