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Summaries of EU Legislation

Canada’s participation in EU programmes

SUMMARY OF:

Agreement between the EU and Canada on Canada’s participation in EU programmes

Decision (EU) 2024/2006 on the signing and provisional application of the agreement between the EU and Canada on Canada’s participation in EU programmes

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THE AGREEMENT AND THE DECISION?

The agreement between the European Union (EU) and Canada lays out a framework for Canada’s participation in EU programmes, particularly in research and innovation, including:

  • tackling global challenges together, and ensuring mutual benefits for innovation and industry;
  • strengthening shared goals and values, including ethics in research, gender equality, academic freedom and sustainable development, in line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals;
  • building on mutual strengths, respecting each other’s approaches and ensuring a fair and transparent system.

Decision (EU) 2024/2006 authorises the EU’s signing of the agreement, and approves its provisional application prior to ratification.

KEY POINTS

General framework

  • The agreement defines conditions for Canada’s participation in EU programmes like Horizon Europe (2021–2027), the EU’s research and innovation framework.
  • Protocols to the agreement specify the terms for participation in particular programmes, including financial contributions and operational aspects.

Participation

  • Canada may engage in specific programmes based on mutual benefit and reciprocal terms.
  • Eligibility for Canadian entities is equivalent to EU Member States’ entities, provided they meet conditions set by the agreement and relevant protocols.
  • The agreement recognises Canada’s right to participate in governance bodies related to these programmes, although Canadian representatives do not have voting rights.
  • Canada contributes to the EU budget to be able to participate in programmes, consisting of operational costs and a participation fee, starting at 2 % in 2024 and gradually increasing to 4 % by 2027.
  • A correction mechanism ensures Canada’s financial contributions align with actual programme costs and benefits.
  • The EU provides Canada with detailed financial and performance-related information.

Cooperation on governance, audits and fraud prevention

  • A joint committee, comprising representatives from both parties, oversees implementation, resolves disputes and reviews performance.
  • The committee can propose amendments and additional protocols.
  • The committee meets at least annually and may establish working groups for specific tasks.
  • The EU retains the right to audit Canadian entities involved in its programmes, focusing on compliance with funding agreements, financial integrity and the use of resources.
  • The agreement emphasises protecting the EU’s financial interests against fraud.
  • The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is empowered to conduct investigations in Canada, respecting Canadian laws.

Dispute resolution and termination

  • Disputes are addressed through discussions in the joint committee.
  • If disputes are not resolved, either party may initiate negotiations.
  • Either party can suspend or terminate the agreement with due notice.
  • The agreement may be suspended if Canada fails to meet financial obligations. Termination requires three months’ notice.
  • Commitments made before suspension or termination continue until their completion, with any financial contributions for such commitments still binding.

DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE

The agreement will be in force retrospectively from , once ratified by both parties.

BACKGROUND

For further information, see:

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and Canada, of the other part, on the participation of Canada in Union programmes (OJ L, 2024/2007, ).

Council Decision (EU) 2024/2006 of on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and provisional application of the Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and Canada, of the other part, on the participation of Canada in Union programmes (OJ L, 2024/2006, ).

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