Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday, building on a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to deepen ties between Canada and the EU. “We can create the next world order, one that is fair, stable, and prosperous,” Carney declared to applause from MEPs. He also emphasized that the majority of Canadians support closer ties with Europe.
Previously, Ursula von der Leyen suggested that Canada could become the EU’s first “associated country.” During her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, she said she intended to take the relationship with this transatlantic partner “to the highest possible level.” The following day, Carney said Ottawa is interested in creating a “unique security and economic alliance” with Europe that would not involve full EU membership.
Security and economic cooperation
Speaking to the European Parliament, Mark Carney stressed that Canada’s cooperation with the EU is not intended to “gain power to dominate others.” He explained that the goal is to strengthen resilience so that no one can control the open markets of Canada and Europe, undermine sovereignty, threaten territorial integrity, or weaken freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
Carney’s statement followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to impose “very significant tariffs” or end trade with the European Union. Ursula von der Leyen had previously emphasized that her proposal is “not directed against anyone.” While Carney did not name Trump, he cited the “weaponisation of trade” as a modern challenge.
The Canadian Prime Minister also said the partnership with the European Union is not meant to compete with current global powers. “I am not proposing to create a third bloc to become a great rival power,” he said.
Carney outlined specific benefits Canada can offer Europe. He noted that Canada can supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen on a large scale to bolster Europe’s energy security, particularly through new port infrastructure in the far north and on the east coast.
Canada holds deposits of over 34 critical minerals and is a leading producer of ten of the most important resources for the global energy transition, Carney said. He also proposed expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, defence, and mobility. He added that deepening and expanding these relations will strengthen the sovereignty of Canada and Europe, increase the availability of goods and services, create new opportunities, and enhance the security of citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.
Shared values and challenges
In his speech, Carney recalled the historical ties between Canada and the EU. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola thanked Ottawa for its help in “liberating Europe from fascism” during the two world wars that devastated the continent.
The Canadian Prime Minister used the German term “Wahlverwandtschaft,” which translates as “elective affinity” and was famously employed by writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Carney explained that the shared values of Canada and Europe are a conscious choice. “Canada and Europe are not united by geography, although we share a 3,000‑kilometre border in the Arctic. We are united by an affinity — chosen, consciously accepted, and renewed — and that is precisely why it is even stronger,” he stated.
Among the challenges facing modern societies, Carney cited the tension between globalization and sovereignty, the use of international trade as a tool of pressure, and hybrid attacks. “Europe and Canada are stronger together,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Source: La Vanguardia
