The Government of Québec launched the Europe Strategy on May 26, 2022, under the theme “Pathway to Economic Growth: Québec and Europe — Partners in Sustainable Development.” Stemming from Québec’s International Vision, the strategy aims to strengthen and renew Québec’s action in Europe.
Since it is being launched at a time when Europe is experiencing considerable economic, geopolitical and humanitarian upheaval as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Europe Strategy will be adapted as the situation evolves.
Composed of innovative, high-performance and resilient economies, Europe offers numerous business and partnership opportunities for Québec companies and institutions.
As a priority trading partner for Québec, with total merchandise trade of close to $40 billion in 2021, Europe is a continent of opportunity where Québec has a strong and longstanding presence that has enabled it to establish deep relations with a wide range of European partners.
The Europe Strategy is based on five broad areas of action:
Better position Québec in European value chains.
Increase research partnerships and drive Québec innovation forward in Europe.
Position Québec as a partner of choice in matters concerning the environment and sustainable economic development.
Foster international mobility between Québec and Europe.
Promote Québec culture and the French language in European markets.
Building on the abundance of historical ties and common interests that unite Québec and Europe, this strategy sets out priorities for action to contribute to the prosperity of all regions of Québec.
Two million dollars to strengthen Québec’s action in Europe
With the unveiling of this strategy, two million dollars to support the measures announced will be added to the nearly $25 million budget already invested in Québec’s action in Europe.
Several actions implemented
The deployment of a continental approach will improve Québec's positioning in Europe through concerted sectoral actions.
To maximize the impact of Québec’s action in Europe, the Québec Government Office in Brussels will play a greater role in business intelligence in order to seize opportunities arising from:
economic agreements – particularly the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement – and government procurement;
economic recovery and energy transition plans (NextGen, Green Deal);
research and innovation programs (including Horizon Europe).
