EU and Canada reach agreement on critical minerals and LNG

The commitments are part of a much broader effort to deepen the relationship between the EU and Canada, who see themselves as likeminded democracies in a world that is increasingly pulling away from the international rules-based order that has dominated since World War II.

"[W]e will accelerate collaboration to support investment in critical raw materials projects, both in Canada and in the EU, along the value chain, including extraction, processing, refining, manufacturing and recycling activities," the EU and Canada said in a joint statement.

They also said they would "explore cooperation opportunities on raw materials projects in third countries identified as projects of common interest."

The joint statement, which aims to build "an even closer association between Canada and the EU," also covered security, trade, tech and artificial intelligence, competition policy, financial services and cultural exchange.