The Canada-European Union Summit gets down to business today in St. John’s.
Pleasantries were exchanged between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen during an opening reception in St. John’s last night.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Local politicians, prominent members of the business community and journalists from around the world packed into Quidi Vidi Brewery for the official opening.
Trudeau laid out the major topics of discussion, including Canada joining Horizon Europe, digital partnership on AI and disinformation, the European Union joining Canada’s global carbon pricing challenge, and the impacts of climate change.
Trudeau says part of that is building and sending Canadian waterbombers to Europe to fight wildfires. He says these are the types of initiatives that can be achieved when they work together.
Today, the trio will meet to discuss progress made on commitments from the last Canada-EU summit that took place in 2021, as well as pressing world issues.
President of the European Council Charles Michel
The release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners will take place today during a four-day ceasefire in the Middle East. That’s expected to begin around 10:30 NST.
Political commentator and Chair of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus Data Tim Powers explains the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East will play a big part in the discussions.
Particularly from the EU’s perspective, Powers says war is at the border of many of their member countries, noting that concern with both conflicts is reaching far beyond any physical territory.
Protestors Call for Permanent Ceasefire in Middle East
Meanwhile, dozens of protestors gathered outside the venue, calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East.
Demonstrators carried a giant banner reading “End the Occupation”, as well as signs reading “Permanent Cease Fire Now” and “International Law Human Right for All”.
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The crowd called for more action to protect Palestinians and denounce Israel’s widespread attacks.
One protestor told VOCM News that Trudeau needs to take a much stronger stance on the violence faced by Palestinians and Ursula von der Leyen needs to speak up on behalf of the EU against Israel’s actions.
