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The Report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs is timely since this year
marks the 25th anniversary of the Canada-EU Framework Agreement on Economic
Cooperation. That agreement was "inspired by the common heritage, special affinity
and shared aspirations" that unite Canada and the countries of the European Union.
The Government of Canada welcomes the Standing Committee's Report, Crossing the
Atlantic: Expanding the Economic Relationship between Canada and Europe for its
guidance in helping Canada realize the full potential of this vital relationship. The
European Economic Community has changed more than its name in the past 25 years.
The EU now represents the world's largest market; its 375 million citizens move and
work freely across the borders of its 15 member states. Most will soon buy and sell
using its single currency, the euro. Within a decade, the Union could comprise 28
member states. Moreover, Canada's relationship with the new European Union now
goes beyond commercial ties to encompass the whole range of issues facing Western
nations: foreign and defence policy, the environment, social issues, immigration,
information technology, health and employment.