Canada’s Minister of Energy Advances Transatlantic Energy Security and Clean Growth Cooperation with European Commissioner in Paris

On February 18, 2026, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson, sat down with European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, in Paris, France.

The meeting, part of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial, focused on boosting energy security and fostering clean growth partnerships between Canada and the European Union (EU).

Strengthening Transatlantic and Arctic Ties

Minister Hodgson used the occasion to reaffirm Canada’s long-term commitment to transatlantic stability and Arctic collaboration.

With climate and energy challenges growing globally, both leaders emphasized the importance of coordinated strategies in sensitive regions, particularly around the Arctic, which is increasingly central to energy and critical mineral discussions.

Collaborating on Critical Minerals

A significant portion of the discussion centered on critical minerals.

Hodgson and Jørgensen explored ways to expand cooperation through multilateral mechanisms like the Critical Minerals Production Alliance and the Critical Minerals Action Plan.

These initiatives aim to ensure secure, sustainable supply chains for minerals essential to clean energy technologies, such as batteries and wind turbines.

The meeting builds on frameworks outlined in the EU–Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future, launched in June 2025, which charts a course for deeper trade and investment collaboration.

Leveraging EU Energy Tools

The leaders also talked about practical EU instruments to support Canada–EU trade.

One key area is the EU’s aggregate liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchasing mechanism, which could enhance Europe’s energy security while opening opportunities for Canadian exports.

This is part of a broader effort to ensure reliable, diversified energy flows across the Atlantic.

Looking Ahead to Montreal 2026

Minister Hodgson extended a warm invitation to Commissioner Jørgensen to participate in the IEA Energy Efficiency Ministerial in Montreal this June.

Both sides agreed that 2026 should be a year of accelerated practical cooperation, moving beyond dialogue into concrete projects that advance energy efficiency, clean growth, and sustainable resource management.

What’s Next?

Canada and the EU are expected to formalize new initiatives under the Strategic Partnership framework throughout 2026.

These will likely include joint ventures in critical mineral extraction, shared research programs in energy efficiency, and coordinated strategies to stabilize LNG markets.

Observers anticipate that these steps could solidify Canada’s role as a key energy partner for Europe while supporting global clean energy transition goals.

Summary

• Date: February 18, 2026

• Location: Paris, France

• Key Figures: Tim Hodgson (Canada), Dan Jørgensen (EU)

• Focus: Energy security, clean growth, critical minerals cooperation

• Key Outcomes: Reinforced transatlantic and Arctic cooperation, exploration of EU trade instruments, acceleration of practical initiatives in 2026, Montreal IEA Energy Efficiency Ministerial participation confirmed