Co-organized by the Centre for European Studies (CES) and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Canada, the policy conference “Prosperous, Secure and Sovereign Together: Making Canada-Europe Economic Cooperation Stronger!”. It was held at Carleton University on October 2nd, 2026.
This one-day conference brought together leading academics, policy-makers, politicians, and business leaders from Canada and Europe. They explored opportunities for deeper cooperation to achieve greater prosperity, security and sovereignty across the Atlantic. Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainty, the event provided a platform for informed dialogue on shared challenges and strategic priorities shaping Canada-Europe economic security relations. Prospects for the new Canada-EU associate membership were also discussed.
Discussions largely centred on issues surrounding supply chain resilience, critical minerals, infrastructure protection, energy security, procurement, advanced manufacturing, and digital and technological sovereignty. Panelists also examined existing cooperation initiatives between Canada and its European partners, notably the European Union. By fostering cross-sector exchange and practical insights, the workshop identified future opportunities for collaboration. It also provided expertise to inform future policy approaches and ways to strengthen transatlantic partnerships as they encounter increasingly complex and interrelated security challenges.
This event was organized by Bernd Althusmann (Konrad Adenauer Stiftung – Canada); Patrick Leblond (CN-Paul M. Tellier Chair on Business and Public Policy, University of Ottawa) and Crina Viju-Miljusevic (Co-Director, Centre for European Studies, Carleton University).
A very special thank you to our sponsors: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung; CN-Paul M. Tellier Chair on Business and Public Policy, University of Ottawa; Eastern Europe and Transatlantic Network, Carleton University; and Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, Centre for European Studies, Carleton University.
Opening Remarks and Keynote:
Speakers featured: Crina-Viju-Miljusevic (Carleton University)
Panel 1: Canada-Europe Economic Security Cooperation: What Are the Results So Far? What’s Missing?
Speakers featured, from left to right: Crina Viju-Miljusevic, Carleton University; Agnieszka Weinar, Carleton University; Günther Krings, Member of the German Bundestag, Deputy Chairman of CDU/CSU; Mark Camilleri, Canada-EU Trade and Investment Association; Wolfgang Alschner, University of Ottawa.
Panel 2: Digital & Technology Sovereignty Cooperation: The Key to Canada-Europe’s Future Prosperity, Security and Sovereignty?
Speakers featured, from left to right: Patrick LeBlond, University of Ottawa; Vass Bednar, Canadian Shield Institute (online); Skaidra Puodžiūnas, Council of Canadian Innovators (online); Blayne Haggart, Brock University; Amy Karam, Global Competitive Strategy; and Nils Ole Oermann, Leuphana University Lüneburg and Oxford University (not recorded).
Panel 3: The Business of Security and Defence: Making Canada-Europe Cooperation Stronger!
Featured speakers, from left to right: Bernd Althusmann, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung; David Perry, Canadian Global Affairs Institute; Philippe Lagassé, Norman Paterson School of International Affairs; Elizabeth Anderson, Montreal Institute for Global Security; Trevor Neiman, Strider Intel (sick).
This is an activity of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence which is co-funded by the European Union and by Carleton University.
