CANADA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION ISSUE STATEMENT

May 28, 2003
Athens, Greece

Prime Minister Jean Chréétien and leaders of the European Union (EU) today issued a Joint Statement on issues discussed during a Canada-EU Summit held in Athens, Greece. The EU was represented during the Summit by the Greek Prime Minister and current President of the European Council Constantine Simitis and European Commission President Romano Prodi.

"Canada and the EU are strong partners of long standing, and we value these opportunities to work closely together on policy challenges we both face domestically and internationally," said Prime Minister Chréétien. "We also remain committed to maintaining a dynamic multilateral system, and look forward to continuing our dialogue as participants in the upcoming G8 Summit in Evian."

During the Summit, leaders agreed to a joint action plan toward a regulatory co-operation framework that would benefit our business communities, consumers and regulators, while enhancing trade between us. Leaders welcomed the initialling of a new agreement on wine and spirits which will strengthen our trading relationship in this important sector. They also reiterated their commitment to work toward a Canada-EU trade and investment enhancement agreement and looked forward to receiving proposals on its design at the December Canada-EU Summit to be held in Ottawa.

In addition, Prime Minister Chréétien welcomed the recent European Commission report on Canada-EU relations, which was presented by EC President Prodi at the Summit. The report examines ways to adapt and strengthen the Canada-EU relationship to respond to changes since the 1990 Canada-EU Declaration on Transatlantic Relations, and to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

The leaders agreed that an effective and dynamic multilateral system remains the indispensable basis for the management of global concerns, and will continue to work together on issues such as: reconstruction in Afghanistan and Iraq; the peace process in the Middle East; and the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda.

The complete Canada-EU Summit Joint Statement is available at: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/canada-eu-c-30-en.asp

The European Commission report on Canada-EU Relations is available on the European Commission web site at: http://www.europa.eu.int

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