In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for a comprehensive strategic alliance between Canada and the European Union. He highlighted cooperation on critical minerals, artificial intelligence, defence industrial capacity, energy security and digital trade as essential to both continents’ future prosperity and security.
Geopolitical context
Carney warned that societies are facing “new storms” linked to climate change, the erosion of democratic norms and the use of trade as a weapon. He said multilateral institutions have been weakened and that sovereignty and openness are increasingly at odds. Technology, he noted, is reshaping warfare, economies and governance, while platforms seek to control data and spread disinformation.
Associate membership proposal
Following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s invitation for Canada to become an associate member of the EU, Carney affirmed that Canada is not a “fair‑weather ally” and rejects zero‑sum deals. He stressed Canada’s commitment to the rule of law, human dignity, individual freedom and democracy, describing these principles as “deep roots” shared with Europe.
Carney cited strong public support in Canada for closer ties with the EU and framed the prospective partnership as a way to ensure that no external power can dictate the choices of either side.
Concrete steps for a deeper alliance
To achieve strategic autonomy, Carney outlined several areas for cooperation:
- Joint development and secure supply of critical minerals.
- Expansion of defence industrial capacity and collaboration on emerging technologies such as AI and computing.
- Enhanced energy security through large‑scale LNG and hydrogen projects, including new port infrastructure in Canada’s high north and east coast.
- Seamless digital trade in non‑agricultural goods and services.
- People‑to‑people exchanges that allow youth to live, work and study on either side of the Atlantic.
He concluded that an alliance built on sovereignty, openness and principled strength would reinforce international law rather than replace it.
Implications for North America and Europe
The proposed partnership could bolster supply chains for critical minerals needed in clean‑energy technologies, reduce reliance on adversarial sources, and create new markets for Canadian energy exports. For Europe, deeper ties with Canada may provide a reliable partner in the face of geopolitical tensions and supply‑chain disruptions.
While the initiative is still in its early stages, Carney’s remarks signal a clear intent from the Canadian government to move beyond the Canada‑EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) toward a more integrated, values‑based relationship.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
