
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is pursuing a “unique alliance” with the European Union as Ottawa seeks to diversify its economic and political ties amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. Carney told reporters on Sunday that Canada is not seeking EU membership but wants a privileged partnership built on shared values and complementary strengths.
EU Ambassador to Canada Geneviève Tuts said last week that both sides are exploring “something unique” that would expand on existing agreements, including a strategic partnership and free trade deal. Officials are identifying areas for deeper cooperation before formal talks begin. Carney will address the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday, followed by an EU-Canada summit in Montreal on Oct. 29–30, where he will host European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
The push follows months of deteriorating relations with Washington. Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs last week after U.S. trade talks collapsed, with President Donald Trump imposing 50% levies on $20 billion in Canadian goods. Carney has also advanced ties with the EU, including a defense and security pact and access to the bloc’s €800 billion defense procurement program. EU Commission officials have proposed expanding the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with a digital trade deal and cooperation on economic security, industrial policy, and carbon pricing.
Von der Leyen will attend Carney’s Strasbourg speech, reversing an earlier decision to skip the event. The European Parliament also announced it will open an office in Ottawa to deepen political dialogue.
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