Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office confirmed on Wednesday that he will deliver a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France next month. During his visit, Carney is scheduled to meet with European Parliament members to enhance Canada’s connections with the European Union for the mutual benefit of their populations. Additionally, the day before his speech, Carney will participate in the State of the European Union address, an annual event delivered by the European Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, which is regarded as a significant political occasion in Europe.
In light of the ongoing trade conflict with the United States, Carney has been actively seeking to strengthen ties with Europe. This visit follows the breakdown of trade discussions between Ottawa and Washington over the weekend, adding strain to the relationship between the two nations. In the past year, Canada has entered into multiple new partnership agreements with the EU and became the inaugural non-European member of Security Action for Europe, which offers €150 billion for defense expenditures.
A spokesperson for the European Commission highlighted that Carney’s visit underscores the strong bond between Canada and the EU. The purpose of the visit is to clearly demonstrate the intention and determination on both sides to elevate their partnership, especially during these challenging times when reinforcing global relationships is of utmost importance.
