Canada’s Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne strengthens transatlantic economic ties and launches new financial dialogue in Brussels, Belgium, to promote shared prosperity and investment

In a week full of diplomacy, Canada’s Finance Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, wrapped up a landmark visit to Brussels, Belgium, reinforcing Canada’s role as a key partner for Europe in trade, security, and innovation.

The visit underscored the importance of collaboration across the Atlantic to foster economic stability and shared prosperity.

Minister Champagne highlighted Canada’s unique position, noting its strong industrial base, highly skilled workforce, and commitment to rules-based trade, positioning the country as a hub for investment and a reliable partner in global economic growth.

Historic Participation in the Eurogroup Session

For the first time in Canadian history, a Finance Minister joined a Eurogroup session, engaging European counterparts in discussions on global economic imbalances.

Champagne emphasized the need for coordinated policy actions among G7 and G20 members to ensure a gradual and balanced adjustment of global economies.

“The goal is to minimize geo-economic risks while promoting stability and resilience,” he told European leaders, stressing that working together on these challenges benefits both North America and Europe.

Bilateral Meetings Deepen Financial Cooperation

During his visit, Minister Champagne held bilateral discussions with a host of European finance and economy ministers, including representatives from France, Spain, Luxembourg, Romania, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Poland.

One of the highlights was launching the Canada-Luxembourg Financial Sector Policy Dialogue, a new initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation on financial regulation, stability, and innovation.

This dialogue is expected to open doors for Canadian financial institutions to collaborate more closely with their European counterparts.

Engaging with Business Leaders to Promote Investment

Champagne didn’t just meet politicians—he also connected with business leaders to discuss opportunities in financial services, investment, and trade.

The Minister promoted Canada as a stable and attractive destination for international investment while underscoring the importance of predictable, rules-based economic policies in fostering long-term growth.

Defence, Security, and Technology Partnerships

Another key focus of the Brussels visit was the Defence, Security, and Resilience Bank (DSRB), a new multilateral institution supporting NATO members and allies in defence, security, and resilience projects.

Minister Champagne highlighted how Canada’s technology and industrial sectors are well-suited to support these international security initiatives, strengthening transatlantic defence and technology collaborations.

He stressed that Canada’s skilled workforce can meet the evolving needs of NATO partners, from cybersecurity to advanced defence manufacturing, positioning the country as a vital player in ensuring both regional and global security.

What’s next?

Minister Champagne’s engagement sets the stage for deeper transatlantic collaboration. In the coming months, Canada plans to:

• Expand the Canada-Luxembourg Financial Sector Policy Dialogue with concrete projects in fintech and regulatory innovation.

• Work with G7 and G20 partners to implement policy recommendations that address global economic imbalances.

• Continue promoting Canadian investment opportunities in Europe, particularly in technology, finance, and defence sectors.

• Strengthen collaboration within the DSRB framework to fund multinational defence and security projects.

These steps aim to solidify Canada’s position as a dependable partner for Europe while driving domestic economic growth and supporting international stability.

Summary

Canada’s Finance Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, concluded a high-profile visit to Brussels, Belgium, emphasizing the country’s commitment to transatlantic economic cooperation and security partnerships.

Champagne made history as the first Canadian Finance Minister to participate in a Eurogroup session, advocating for coordinated action on global economic imbalances and resilience.

He also launched the Canada-Luxembourg Financial Sector Policy Dialogue, held bilateral talks with multiple European finance ministers, and met business leaders to promote trade, investment, and innovation.

The Minister highlighted Canada’s capabilities in defence and technology, supporting NATO allies through the new Defence, Security, and Resilience Bank.

The visit signals Canada’s intent to continue strengthening its global partnerships, promote stable and rules-based economic collaboration, and support shared prosperity across the Atlantic.