EDC strengthens its European presence to unlock growth opportunities for Canadian exporters

New European representations will help deepen trade and investment ties 

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 1, 2026 /CNW/ -- At a time of significant economic transformation in Europe and growing demand for trusted international partners, Export Development Canada (EDC) is expanding its presence across the continent to help Canadian companies diversify their exports, build commercial relationships and pursue new opportunities in some of the world's most dynamic economies.

As part of the next phase of its Europe strategy, EDC is opening new representations in France and Sweden, with a representation in Poland planned for 2027. Complementing EDC's established presence in the United Kingdom, Germany and Türkiye, these new representations will put EDC closer to European buyers, investors, financial institutions and strategic partners. This stronger in-market presence will help Canadian companies identify opportunities earlier, navigate local business environments and establish commercial relationships more quickly and effectively.

"At a time when trade and investment ties between Canada and Europe are deepening, our expanded presence will help Canadian companies by building pragmatic relationships with like-minded trading partners across Europe," said Alison Nankivell, EDC's President and CEO. "EDC's unique strength lies in pairing financing and risk expertise with international relationships built over decades. Through this, we can help our customers seize this important moment to build their competitiveness and resilience."

Europe offers Canadian companies access to more than 700 million consumers, with preferential trade access through Canada's free trade agreements. Since the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was provisionally applied in 2017, total trade between Canada and the EU has grown a significant amount, reaching $178.6 billion in 2025.

EDC's 2026 Trade Confidence Index found 31% of Canadian exporters plan to enter Europe in the next two years, a region where Canada's export potential could reach more than US$104 billion in goods and US$41 billion in services by 2035, according to projections by EDC Economics.

"Europe is one of Canada's most trusted partners, and last year EDC facilitated an estimated $16.2 billion in Canadian exports to the region, supporting more than 1,700 businesses," said The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade. "Trade between Canada and the EU has grown by more than 75% since CETA came into force, and EDC's expanded presence will build on that success as we work to double our non-U.S. exports. This means more Canadian businesses building lasting partnerships, reaching new customers and creating good-paying jobs for workers here at home."

Working closely with Canada's Trade Commissioner Service and other government partners, as well as industry and financial leaders, EDC's in-market teams combine local relationships and market knowledge with financing and risk expertise to help Canadian exporters identify opportunities, navigate local conditions and advance commercial relationships.

Europe's economy is undergoing significant transformation driven by investments in energy security, defence modernization, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and supply chain resilience. These shifts are creating new opportunities for Canadian companies with the expertise, technologies and products needed by European buyers and investors.

Explore more about key sectors, market trends, and how EDC supports Canadian businesses expanding to Europe: Access EDC's 2026 Europe market intelligence guide for Canadian Businesses.

Customer success stories

Northland Power is a Toronto-based global energy company with nearly four decades of experience developing and operating large-scale power projects. In June 2026, its 1.1-gigawatt Baltic Power project with ORLEN delivered the first offshore wind-generated electricity to Poland's national grid. Supported by EDC project financing, Northland has expanded into Poland's emerging offshore wind market, advancing the country's clean energy transition and helping deliver a landmark European energy project.

Boralex, from Kingsey Falls, Quebec, is a renewable energy company and France's largest independent onshore wind producer. Since 2016, EDC has provided working capital and project financing to support its international expansion. This included financing Limekiln, Boralex's first U.K. wind farm and one of the country's largest onshore wind projects. EDC's support has helped Boralex free up capital, advance clean energy projects and strengthen its presence in key European markets.

Activate Games, based in Winnipeg, combines physical activity, immersive technology and interactive challenges in the world's first active gaming experience. EDC worked with RBC to provide direct lending, loan guarantees and trade finance support, helping the company accelerate its U.S. expansion. Europe is now central to Activate's global growth, with locations in the United Kingdom, France and Finland, and further expansion planned across Scandinavia and Germany.

Laserax, founded in Québec City, provides industrial laser solutions to automotive, clean energy, battery and manufacturing customers worldwide. In 2026, EDC financed Laserax GmbH's acquisition of a majority stake in German laser specialist SLCR Lasertechnik GmbH. The transaction, the second Laserax acquisition supported by EDC, is expected to accelerate the company's European expansion and advance its strategy to become a global leader in sustainable industrial laser applications.

About EDC 

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians.

For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca.

SOURCE Export Development Canada

Media Contact: Media | Export Development Canada, 1-888-222-4065, [email protected]