EU-Canada Business Summit 2025

1. Defence: Canada & Europe—A New Force for a Reliable Strategic Partnership

As global security challenges intensify; Canada and Europe are strengthening their cooperation in defence and security. This panel will examine how both partners can align capabilities, share intelligence, and co-develop technologies to build a more cohesive and reliable strategic alliance. Discussions will highlight opportunities for joint action within NATO, transatlantic defence innovation, and the role of Canada–EU collaboration in maintaining global stability.

2. Artificial Intelligence: The Key to a Growing and Productive Economy

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming industries and reshaping global economic competitiveness. This session will explore how Canada and the EU can harness AI to drive productivity, support innovation, and foster inclusive economic growth. Panelists will address the importance of ethical AI development, cross-border collaboration in research, and creating frameworks that balance innovation with public trust.

3. Economic Alliances: Strengthening Canada–EU Collaboration for Long-Term Growth

Canada and the European Union share strong economic ties through agreements like CETA, but evolving global markets demand deeper integration. This panel will explore strategies to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and sustainability. Topics will include regulatory harmonization, digital trade, and how to unlock the full potential of Canada–EU economic relations.

4. Market Diversification: Building Resilience Through Broader Global Engagement

In an era of disrupted supply chains and geopolitical uncertainty, market diversification has become essential for economic resilience. This discussion will focus on how Canada and the EU can reduce overdependence on traditional markets, expand into emerging economies, and promote sustainable trade practices. The panel will also address the role of innovation, infrastructure, and diplomacy in securing new economic opportunities.

Defence

AI

On Stage Exclusive Interview

Economic Alliances

AI

Closing Remarks

12:15 – 13:00
Welcoming & Networking

13:00 – 13:15
Opening Keynotes

• Sam Ayoub
  President Canada-Europe Economic Chamber – EU – Brussels
• Maninder Sidhu
  Minister of International Trade Government of Canada – Ottawa

13:15 – 14:00
Defence: Canada & Europe - A New Force for a Reliable Strategic Partnership

• Peter Rafferty President – Galvion UK Limited – London
• Jean-Philippe Scherer – Head of EU-NATO Affairs, Defence & Space EU Public Affairs – Airbus – Brussels
• Gregory W. Ivey – Director of Armaments and Major Capability Programmes – NATO – Brussels
• Alain Alexis – Senior Advisor, French Defence Expert – Forward Global – Brussels
• Moderator
  Rick Froh – President – Allied Support Services International Group (ASSIG) – Brussels

14:00 – 14:45
Artificial Intelligence: The Key to a Growing and Productive Economy

• Matt Lemay – CEO – LemayAI – Montreal
• Kostas Rossoglou – Director Strategy Europe – Shopify – Brussels
• Seva Matselyukh – Chief Commercial Officer and co-founder – OPT/NET – Leiden Moderator
• Bruno Herrmann – Global Readiness and Effectiveness Leader– Global Minds Network – Brussels

14:45 – 15:15
Networking Break

15:15 – 16:00
Economic Alliances: Strengthening Canada–EU Collaboration for Long-Term Growth

• Sylvie Lemoine – Deputy Director General – CEFIC – Brussels
• Lorenzo Casullo – Europe Regional Director – Ricardo - Member of WSP – Madrid
• Steve Milbury – Vice President of Business Development – Opportunities NB – Saint John
• Moderator
  Frederic Donck - Managing Director -Tamada, Strategic Engagement and Communications – Brussels

16:00 – 16:45
Market Diversification: Building Resilience Through Broader Global Engagement

• Elisabetta Coscia – Director Head of Brussels Office – Lysios – Brussels
• Bruno Saverys – CEO – Zingametall BV – Ghent
• Michael Zobin - Senior Director: Global Trade Consulting – Livingston International – Montreal
• Ime Ekong – Director of Business Development EMEA – EDC – London
• Moderator
  Frederic Donck - Managing Director -Tamada, Strategic Engagement and Communications – Brussels

16:45 - 17:30
On stage exclusive interview

• Robbie Boyd - CEO – ENCompass B.V. – Brussels
• Interviewer
  Rick Froh – President – Allied Support Services International Group (ASSIG) – Brussels

17:30 – 17:35
Closing Remarks

• Honorable John Hannaford – Personal Representative of the Prime Minister to the European Union –
  Government of Canada – Brussels
• Sam Ayoub – President - Canada-Europe Economic Chamber – EU – Brussels

17:35 – 19:00
High Level Cocktail Reception – Sponsored by Forward Global

For more information on visibility opportunities and available speaking slots
please contact us at  or at +32.04.93.85.78.04