By Rob Gillies
MONTREAL — Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed European leaders to Montreal as he seeks to establish a new partnership between Canada and the European Union, amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Carney referred to Canada as “the most European of non-European countries” during the first stages of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war. A proposed “associate member” designation for Canada is facing some resistance within the EU, even as the bloc’s top officials advocate for the partnership.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are participating in a two-day summit to strengthen trade, defense, and economic ties between Canada and Europe. This collaboration aims to lessen dependency on the United States as both regions reassess their positions in a shifting global landscape.
On Thursday, von der Leyen expressed concern that economic relationships, once seen as stable, are increasingly being manipulated for pressure tactics. She cautioned that the ramifications of such economic maneuvers affect everyday families and warned that the sovereignty of nations is at risk.
“When trade becomes a tool of economic pressure, it is families that pay the price, from the supermarket shelf to the cost of a new car,” she said. She emphasized the importance of diversifying suppliers for energy, semiconductors, and critical minerals to safeguard economic security.
Trump has described Canada’s potential EU partnership as a “hostile act,” threatening tariffs on Europe if he perceives the arrangement as unfriendly. A senior Canadian official stated that the developing relationship is not aimed against the U.S., but is a reflection of mutual interests.
During the summit, von der Leyen reaffirmed her commitment to discussing Canada becoming the first associate member of the EU. Although some EU member states have expressed hesitancies regarding this designation, von der Leyen stated, “Canada cannot become a full-fledged member of the EU because of geography, but we both want to bring our relationship to the highest level possible.”
Carney indicated that further negotiations will occur over the next year following the summit, emphasizing that the specific terminology is less important than the tangible benefits to Canadians. He noted that the partnership could enhance opportunities for Canadian students, businesses, and researchers, while also solidifying the country’s independence.
The summit is expected to launch an “Alliance for the Future,” a framework aimed at facilitating closer cooperation across various sectors, including trade and defense. Von der Leyen announced plans to finalize an agreement that would grant Canadian companies access to Europe’s advanced supercomputer network, enhancing collaboration in artificial intelligence.
Efforts to deepen defense cooperation face challenges, particularly regarding European regulations that may limit Canadian participation in military procurement. The EU currently accounts for a significant portion of Canada’s trade, and Carney aims to increase exports to other countries over the next decade.
Discussions on the partnership will continue with sector-specific meetings, culminating in broader arrangements targeted for potential endorsement by 2027. Meanwhile, both Canada and the EU aim to enhance cooperation on critical minerals, as the EU’s imports of Canadian resources surged by 62% last year, highlighting the importance of diversifying supply chains.
