King of Spain and Vice Premier Cuerpo Launch Economic Mission in Canada. Felipe VI and Carlos Cuerpo have arrived in Canada for talks on expanding economic cooperation. The visit comes as Canada aims to reduce its dependence on the US and strengthen ties with Europe.
King Felipe VI, accompanied by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Carlos Cuerpo, has begun an official three-day visit to Canada. The main goal of the trip is to strengthen economic ties between the two countries as Canada seeks new partnerships in Europe due to the instability in its relationship with the United States. Donald Trump had previously threatened to impose 100% tariffs and even floated the idea of Canada joining the US, which has heightened Ottawa’s interest in deepening ties with the EU.
The Spanish delegation also includes Secretary of State for Trade Amparo López Senovilla. The visit began in Ottawa, where Felipe VI met with Governor General Mary Simon, the representative of King Charles III. In the evening, an official reception was held in his honor at the head of state’s residence.
The business agenda will continue in Toronto—the economic heart of Canada. Here, the King will speak at a business forum attended by more than 170 companies, including Spain’s Indra and Multiverse Computing, as well as Canada’s Cohere and Coveo. Talks are scheduled with executives from more than 20 Canadian companies already operating or investing in Spain, along with a meeting with representatives of four airlines connecting the two countries: Iberia, Air Transat, Air Canada, and Westjet. One of the goals is to increase flight frequency to promote bilateral ties.
At Victoria University in Toronto, Felipe VI will meet with the Spanish diaspora and present the Joan Margarit poetry prize to renowned Canadian writer Margaret Atwood, author of "El cuento de la criada" and winner of the Princess of Asturias Award. The ceremony will also be attended by the director of Instituto Cervantes, Luis García Montero, as well as relatives of the poet Joan Margarit.
The visit will conclude in the province of Ontario, where the King will become honorary patron of Lakefield College School—the institution he attended in 1984–85. Here, Felipe VI will meet with former classmates and learn about the new student center project, which will bear his name.
According to the Ministry of Economy, Spain expects to formalize institutional agreements that will support the technical work already carried out. In recent months, Carlos Cuerpo has visited Canada twice to prepare the agreements. Although Canada's economy ranks 10th in the world and Spain's 15th, the volume of bilateral trade has yet to reach its potential. In 2025, Spanish exports to Canada amounted to €2.235 billion, while imports totaled €2.932 billion. The Ministry of Economy describes these figures as 'modest' and aims to double trade turnover.
Spanish companies are already established in Canada in infrastructure projects, but now Madrid aims to enter high-tech markets, including software development and aviation. During the visit, a memorandum of cooperation in the fields of economy and science is expected to be signed between Carlos Cuerpo and Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon. Additionally, Spain is interested in purchasing Canadian hydrocarbons, strategic raw materials, and firefighting aircraft, as well as in joint projects in the defense and technology sectors.
The existing CETA free trade agreement between the EU and Canada has yet to be ratified by all countries, but it already facilitates the exchange of goods and services. Canada and Europe also support a multilateral approach to international relations, in contrast to the power politics pursued by Trump and Putin. In May, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney participated for the first time in the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, sparking discussion about possible rapprochement between Canada and the EU, though formally this is not possible under European treaties.
Amid the growing interest in Spain's international relations, it is worth noting that significant changes are also taking place in other areas. For example, the popular TV game show Pasapalabra recently saw a change in its team lineup, which was covered in detail in a feature on the new guests and unexpected participants — details on the changes in Pasapalabra.
For reference: Canada is among the world's largest economies, and Spain is one of the EU's leading partners in trade and investment. In recent years, both countries have strengthened cooperation in high technology, energy, and education. The visit of Felipe VI may become an important step toward expanding economic opportunities for Spanish companies and enhancing Spain's position in the North American market.
