Environmental cooperation: Canada and the Commission of the European Communities

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Objective

Canada-European Union (EU) bilateral cooperation on the environment dates back to an exchange of letters in 1975 which identified areas of cooperation of common interest to both sides and provided for periodic high level consultations to report and review on progress. High-level meetings have been held regularly since 1983.

Canada and the EU have committed to maintain separate, high level dialogues on the environment and climate change with a view of sharing best practices and promoting effective and inclusive cooperation.

Key elements

The High-Level Dialogue on Environment began in Brussels in 1983, under the purview of the Directorate General for the Environment. In 2010, Canada and the EU initiated a High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change.

The two Dialogues provide opportunities to exchange respective views on strategic policy, to identify areas of future cooperation and coordination, and to review progress. Issues discussed in the High Level Dialogue on Environment have included biodiversity, sustainable development, forests, and mercury; whereas the High Level Dialogue on Climate Change has  focussed on the importance of pursuing a high level of ambition to combat climate change.

While the High Level Dialogue on the Environment takes place every eighteen months or so in either Ottawa or Brussels, the High Level Dialogue on Climate Change has been less formal and held on the margins of meetings under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Dialogues are normally led at the Deputy Minister or Assistant Deputy Minister levels.

Expected results

Canada-EU relations and cooperation are supported by the two Dialogues, as both provide opportunities to capitalize on substantive discussions on environmental and climate change issues of mutual importance and both help Canada and the EU identify areas of cooperation.

Canada’s involvement

The EU is an active and important player domestically and internationally, in the areas of climate change and environment. It is also very influential in many fora where Canada is also present. Therefore, developing a strong relationship with the EU supports Canada’s international leadership in areas related to the environment and addressing climate change.

Results / progress

Activities

The EU is an active and important player domestically and internationally, in the areas of climate change and environment. It is also very influential in many fora where Canada is also present. Therefore, developing a strong relationship with the EU supports Canada’s international leadership in areas related to the environment and addressing climate change.