Newsletter – February 2021
Newsletter from Brussels - Capital of the European Union - February 2021 - No 1
NEWS
Canada,
the most european country oustide of Europe
Historically, Canada was colonized by the Kingdoms of France and England and was also the site of an abortive and short-lived colonization attempt by Scandinavian settlers in the 10th and 11th centuries. The early French colony of New France boasted a population in the tens of thousands but was eventually annexed and colonized by the United Kingdom following the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War. As a result, the modern nation-states of the United Kingdom and France have the closest relationships with Canada, and it is through these conduits that much of the contemporary Canada–European Union (EU) relationship lies. Although Canada, being a colony of the United Kingdom, did not conduct its own diplomacy for the entirety of the 19th century and much of the 20th, it was able to establish informal ties through diplomatic attachés to British embassies and consular offices. Following the Statute of Westminster in 1931, Canada gained the ability to craft an independent foreign policy which it pursued wholeheartedly. After the Second World War, it joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alongside the United States, the United Kingdom, and numerous other European nations.
Its formal relationship with the EU and its predecessors began in 1959, when it and the burgeoning European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) signed an agreement on the peaceful uses of atomic energy. Since then, its cooperation has gained breadth and depth, expanding to myriad other policy areas including agriculture, foreign policy and defense, security, and trade.
Over time, the EU has grown to become perhaps Canada’s second most important partner worldwide, after the United States. This has culminated in the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), which are major milestones and cement Canada and the EU’s mutually increasing importance to each other.
TRADE
A good example of Canada being in Europe
Founded in a small warehouse in Toronto, Canada in 1957, Canada Goose has grown into one of the world’s leading makers of performance luxury apparel. Every collection is informed by the rugged demands of the Arctic and inspired by relentless innovation and uncompromised craftsmanship. Canada Goose is a recognized leader for its Made in Canada commitment, and is a long-time partner of Polar Bears International.
Canada Goose announced the opening of its first German store on November 16th, 2020. The store is the fourth in Europe after London, Milan and Paris, and will draw inspiration from the city’s creative flair to reach Berlin’s unique consumers. Wherever the brand opens a Canada Goose store across the world it embodies the values that they consider so quintessentially Canadian; unparalleled warmth and functionality.
“Germany has played an important role in the story of Canada Goose. This brand was built in Europe through our exposition at so many of the country’s incredible trade shows over our early years and we’re so happy to return now with our first German store,” said Dani Reiss President & CEO of Canada Goose. “And, Berlin itself has always had a special place in my heart. The vibrancy of its people and the importance of art to Berlin’s identity makes it truly one of the world’s most unique cities, always on the cutting edge of culture. I’m proud of our newest European store in Berlin, in the heart of its famed shopping district on the Kurfürstendamm.”
Berlin’s international flair influenced by a multitude of diverse creative disciplines such as fashion, art, music and its innovative start up mentality is becoming home of the brand’s newest and first flagship store in Germany. Housed on one of the city’s most popular historic avenues in the beating heart of the western city centre, alongside the iconic KaDeWe, the two-floor space has been imagined to bring together both Canadian and German design details, combining the essence of the brand with the creative feel of Berlin. From the wood and marble accents throughout the space, to the refined VIP area on the ground floor, it is the first globally to feature a “biodimensional” installation – a unique wall space combining lighting and elements of the environment to bring the outdoors inside. To complete the design a balcony on the second floor gives customers the opportunity to try on the product in the actual outside world.
To further complement the design of the space curated artworks of Canadian and Inuit offering stories about Canada’s North are exhibited as a permanent collection showcasing a variety of different media. Additionally the pieces of art in Berlin focus on arctic and German textiles blending both Canadian and German heritage. Artists such as Shuvinai Ashoona and Patrick Thompson are featured throughout the store, while Shannon Bool created a sculptural piece made of Canada Goose’s iconic Snow Mantra parkas.
The Canadian company offers the broadest assortment of seasonal collections and exclusive collaborations including rain, windwear, lightweight down, premium knitwear and cold weather apparel designed to shelter from the elements.
EVENTS
PAST EVENTS
16-02-2021 – Euractiv
Contributing to global climate goals: How can the gas infrastructure sector develop low-carbon and renewable solutions?
8-01-2021 – Canada-Europe Economic Chamber – EU
How Canada is positioned in the new UK-EU trade reality?
30-09-2020 – Canada-Europe Economic Chamber – EU
EU-Canada Business Summit 2020
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