Canada’s premier Mark Carney will address the European Parliament next month, seeking to deepen ties with the European Union amid an escalating trade dispute with the US.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Carney will speak in Strasbourg on September 17. The day before, on September 16, he will attend a speech by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on the state of the EU in the same chamber. The sources provided this information on condition of anonymity, as the discussions are private. Earlier on Wednesday, Politico reported on Carney’s plans to attend von der Leyen’s speech.
Strained relations with the US
The Canadian leader is seeking European backing as his relationship with US President Donald Trump deteriorates. Washington is discussing the imposition of additional trade restrictions against Canada after Carney announced mirror measures in response to new tariffs imposed by the US on Saturday. Trade negotiations between Canada and the US stalled last week.
Trump has also threatened Europeans with tariff increases, particularly after the European Commission, led by von der Leyen, last month imposed a fine of 890 million euros (1 billion dollars) on Google. Last year, Trump signed a trade agreement with the EU at a meeting in Scotland.
Plans to strengthen ties
Representatives of the European Parliament and the Canadian mission in Brussels did not immediately provide comments. A spokesman for the European Commission confirmed that Carney had been invited to attend von der Leyen’s speech. According to sources, the parties plan to hold a summit at the end of October dedicated to strengthening their economic and trade relations.
Source: Bloomberg
