Carney presses 10 EU countries to ratify Canada trade deal

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has implored the ten European Union nations yet to ratify the trade deal between Canada and the EU to do so. Carney is striving for stronger ties with Europe following the collapse of trade negotiations with the United States. During an interview with the Financial Times, Carney argued that closer ties with Europe are the preferred option in an uncertain world.

He described the trade deal as a "positive initiative" that benefits both Europe and Canada, stating that it would make both regions "more sovereign, more resilient, more independent" and more prosperous. Although the deal is already functioning effectively, Carney believes ratification by the remaining EU countries could enable deeper connections, saying, "I would like to use this opportunity to encourage them to do so."

This push for ratification is part of Ottawa's broader efforts to court European cooperation. Officials are also focusing on areas such as critical minerals, education, digital infrastructure, and Arctic security. A meeting in Montreal next month is expected to advance these efforts. The Canada-EU agreement, which has been in provisional force since 2017, has not been ratified by 10 of the 27 EU nations due to concerns that Canadian agricultural exports could negatively impact European farmers.

Carney's shift towards Europe comes after months of increasing trade tensions with the United States. In August, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed additional 50 percent tariffs on certain Canadian goods, including cars, alcohol, and dairy. Trump has also suggested the possibility of Canada becoming a 51st state and renamed Lake Ontario "Lake America."

Carney is set to address the European Parliament on Thursday, advocating for Canada as a dependable partner as its relationship with the U.S. worsens.