The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the report by Charles TANNOCK (ECR, UK) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Canada, of the other part.
In view of the strategic, political and economic benefits resulting from a successful conclusion of this Strategic Partnership Agreement and its positive contribution to multilateralism, international peace and security, economic and sustainable development, justice, freedom and security, the committee recommend that the European Parliament give consent to the conclusion of this Agreement.
This Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) aims to intensify this bilateral cooperation in areas such as foreign and security policy, counter-terrorism, the fight against organised crime, sustainable development, research and culture. It also provides for political dialogue and consultation mechanisms, such as Joint Ministerial Committee and Joint Cooperation Committee.
As indicated in the European Parliament’s resolution of 10 December 2013, the EU’s relations with Canada are based on shared values as illustrated by a long history of extensive political and economic cooperation.
Canada and the EU share a strong commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms, the protection of human rights, liberal and open trade and multilateralism. Canada has been a Strategic Partner of the EU since 1996 and is an important ally on the international scene.
Canada and the EU have worked together closely on global challenges such as climate change, human rights, energy security, conflict resolution, counter terrorism and forced migration.
Canada regularly contributes to the EU’s civilian and military CSDP missions and is an important ally in NATO.
Since 2003, this partner committed financial and/or human resources in ten of 34 EU CSDP missions/operations, in eight countries and in three regions.