In brief
During a visit to Ottawa, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl‑Reisinger urged the European Union and Canada to strengthen their partnership in economic, technological and security arenas. The call came as Austria readies for a joint UN Security Council seat and seeks broader alliances beyond EU borders.
In a joint press conference in Ottawa on 7 November, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl‑Reisinger and her Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, announced a push for closer EU‑Canada ties to address security and economic challenges posed by growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Meinl‑Reisinger highlighted the need to expand economic, technological, and security collaboration between the European Union and Canada, and emphasized coordination on international issues as Austria prepares to take up a two‑year non‑permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in January 2027.
"The EU must look beyond its borders and forge alliances with trusted partners," Meinl‑Reisinger said. She described Canada as a key partner for Europe, helping strengthen the EU’s ability to act and respond to international challenges.
The call for a stronger EU‑Canada partnership underscores Austria’s broader strategy to build alliances that enhance its role and influence on the global stage, in anticipation of its UN Security Council responsibilities.
