The agreement complements the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), provisionally applied since 2017, and aims to keep the trade relationship fit for purpose in an increasingly digital global economy. It reaffirms the shared commitment to deeper economic cooperation, innovation, and a secure, open and trusted digital environment.
The DTA establishes clear and predictable rules for businesses, while maintaining strong safeguards for people and their rights. It removes unjustified barriers, supports more resilient economic relations, and reinforces cooperation between like-minded partners. For companies, it facilitates digital trade in goods and services, providing a predictable environment for cross-border business and reducing administrative burdens.
A key element is the framework for trusted cross-border data flows between the EU and Canada, preventing unjustified restrictions. The agreement also promotes e-contracts, e-signatures, and e-invoices. It enhances consumer safety and confidence through robust online consumer protection rules, including provisions against unsolicited commercial messages and misleading practices.
“"By concluding the negotiations for the agreement, the EU and Canada reaffirm their shared commitment to deeper economic cooperation, innovation, and a secure, open and trusted digital environment."
Launched at the fifth meeting of the CETA Joint Committee on 5 March 2026, these negotiations demonstrate the determination of both sides to advance their partnership. The EU and Canada will now follow their respective internal procedures for the formal signature and conclusion of the agreement.
This DTA builds on the strong partnership between the EU and Canada, already reinforced by CETA. Between 2016 and 2025, bilateral trade in goods and services grew by 80%, from €72.1 billion to over €130 billion. Digitally delivered services trade reached €19.8 billion in 2025. The DTA is expected to drive further growth.
