The ideas shaping von der Leyen’s pitch to Carney
From defense to critical raw materials, a new wave of EU-Canada agreements is on the horizon.
The EU is seeking to strengthen its ties with Canada through a variety of agreements and proposals. These range from critical raw materials, digital trade, education, skilled workers and Arctic security, to expanding Canada's integration into the EU's single market. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to address the European Parliament and an EU-Canada summit is planned for October in Montreal.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, is expected to offer concrete proposals in her upcoming State of the Union speech. The EU officials, politicians and diplomats, who spoke anonymously, believe that this could deepen cooperation and provide Carney with a way to show Canadians that they have powerful friends beyond the U.S. The EU is particularly interested in Canada's abundant reserves of critical raw materials and wants to explore common projects, investment and funding opportunities.
Additionally, the EU is open to integrating Canada further into the Erasmus+ program, expanding student exchanges, making artist visas easier to obtain, and promoting skilled worker movement. The EU also aims to finalize the EU-Canada free trade agreement and finalize a digital trade agreement by the end of the year.
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