Canada’s Carney seeks closer Europe ties to counter hostile US

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney is aiming to forge a closer economic and security partnership with the European Union to lessen the country's reliance on the United States, which he described as "hostile." Carney will host an EU-Canada summit in Montreal next month, where discussions will center around strengthening the relationship.

He is set to attend the State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, France, followed by a speech at the European Parliament. Carney will also meet with Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool.

Tobias Cremer, a German lawmaker and sponsor of a resolution for stronger EU-Canada cooperation, highlighted Canada's valuable resources such as energy, rare earths, and raw minerals, which Europe is deficient in. The EU, like Canada, is looking to diversify and de-risk its foreign relations amid the US trade war and the return of President Donald Trump to office.

Canada's involvement with the EU includes participation in its defense procurement program and its involvement in the Eurovision song contest, a pop culture event. A digital trade deal is already in the works, capitalizing on an existing free trade agreement, CETA. Although Canada's eligibility for full EU membership is questionable, a closer relationship with the bloc seems feasible.