Lecture: Before the Summit: Perspectives for the Canada-EU Relationship
October 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
| Location: | 3040 Nicol |
| Cost: | Free |
The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence is excited to announce a public lecture, “Before the Summit: Perspectives for the Canada-EU Relationship” with Konrad Adenauer Visiting Professor, Dr. Jan Wouters.
Event Description: Ahead of the crucial Canada-EU Summit in Montreal late October 2026, the relationship between Ottawa and Brussels stands at a historic turning point. Driven by global geopolitical shifts, renewed trade vulnerabilities, and a shared push for strategic autonomy, both powers are exploring an unprecedented deepening of their alliance. One week before the summit, this lecture provides a timely analysis of the future perspectives for bilateral relations. Central to the discussion is the potential implementation of an “associate status” for Canada within the EU framework. The lecture delves into concrete pillars of cooperation—ranging from defense and AI governance to critical minerals supply chains and the final ratification of CETA—and outlines the political challenges this “alliance for the future” must navigate to ensure mutual resilience.
About the Lecturer: Jan Wouters is Full Professor of International Law and International Organizations and Jean Monnet Chair ad personam at KU Leuven in Belgium. In Fall 2026, he serves as the Konrad Adenauer Visiting Professor at Carleton University. Dr. Wouters’ research focuses on global governance, international and EU law, human rights, international organizations, and corporate law. He has led several collaborative transatlantic research initiatives, including most recently the Transatlantic Network for Dialogue, Education and Multidisciplinary Research (TANDEM). He has published more than 85 books, 165 journal articles, and 300 book chapters.
Registration for this event is required. Please register with the form by Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The registration form will close once the event has reached capacity.
This event is organized in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung – Canada.
