Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking a “unique alliance” with the European Union as trade tensions between Canada and the United States intensify.
Carney, who is visiting Europe this week, says Canada is not seeking membership of the 27-nation bloc but wants to begin discussions on a deeper partnership based on shared values, priorities and complementary strengths.
The proposed relationship could expand cooperation between Canada and the EU in areas including trade, defence, energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, research and investment.
Carney is also urging EU member states to fully ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, a Canada-EU trade deal that has been provisionally applied since 2017 but has yet to receive full ratification from all member states.
The Canadian leader's European outreach comes as relations with Washington become increasingly strained under US President Donald Trump, with tariffs and disagreements putting pressure on the traditionally close Canada-US economic relationship.
Carney has argued that Canada needs to become more economically resilient and diversify its international partnerships, while maintaining that closer ties with Europe are not simply a reaction against the United States.
Carney is expected to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday, where he will further outline his vision for stronger Canada-EU relations.
