Report: 2nd meeting of the CETA Committee on Services and Investment

March 17, 2026 (by videoconference)

Joint report

The second meeting of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Service and Investment Committee was held on 17 March 2026 via videoconference. Participants included representatives from Global Affairs Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security of the European Commission.

The Parties referred to the 5 March 2026 joint statement of the CETA Joint Committee meeting that welcomed the entry into application of the EU-Canada Mutual Recognition Agreement for Architects and agreed to explore ways to encourage further collaboration amongst relevant professional services regulators in Canada and the EU. The Parties agreed to continue outreach with respective professional service industry associations and regulators to determine if there are any professions that may be interested and prepared for further collaboration with their EU or Canadian counterparts. The Parties will meet again in July 2026 to discuss the outcomes of these discussions and any potential advancements. The Parties also recognized the importance of internal regulatory harmonization and different potential mechanisms to support collaboration. 

The Parties agreed to work together to develop comprehensive data metrics to help provide a clearer picture of services trade trends in CETA. This was agreed upon following presentations from the EU and Canada on current services trade data between the two countries and a breakdown of data points based on the services modes of supply. The Parties agreed to exchange information going forward.

Canada and the EU gave updates on the ongoing work of the Temporary Entry Contact Point Mechanism, noting the significant progress the EU has made towards addressing implementation and transparency issues. Both sides agreed that the regular meetings have been productive and provided opportunities for further areas of collaboration. Regarding next steps, Canada and the EU agreed to meet in May 2026 and reiterated their commitment towards resolving outstanding transparency issues.

In regards to the Canadian Online Streaming Act, while expressing support for the Act’s objectives, the EU asked how the implementing measures will recognise the support that EU streaming companies are already providing to Canadian and Indigenous music and artists. Canada took note that although cultural issues are not within the scope of the Cross Border Trade in Services Chapter, it would inform the Department of Canadian Heritage of the EU’s position.

Both sides exchanged a state of play of respective negotiations of services and investment chapters in trade agreements.  Although Parties recognized the overall positive benefits of maritime cabotage in CETA, the EU mentioned it had received stakeholders’ views on hurdles related to Canadian cabotage laws.  The EU raised received stakeholder feedback regarding changes to Canada’s rules for accompanying spouses and asked if those changes impacted Canada’s commitments under CETA. Canada provided clarity, confirming no changes had been made to its CETA commitments and welcomed further discussions if necessary.