CARNEY SEEKS STRONGER EUROPEAN TIES AMID RISING TENSIONS WITH US

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has begun a visit to Europe as his government seeks to strengthen economic and security ties with European countries amid growing tensions with the United States. Carney is visiting Strasbourg in France and Liverpool in the United Kingdom from September 15 to 17 as Canada looks to diversify its international partnerships.

During his visit to Strasbourg, Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament and attend European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address. He is expected to outline his vision for closer cooperation between Canada and the European Union, particularly in areas including trade, investment, defence and digital security.

The visit comes as trade relations between Canada and the US have become increasingly strained under President Donald Trump. Carney has said Canada needs to reduce its economic dependence on its southern neighbour and has set a target of doubling the country’s non-US trade over the next decade.

Canada has already expanded its cooperation with the European Union, including participation in the bloc’s Security Action for Europe defence initiative. Ottawa and Brussels are also working on strengthening existing economic and security arrangements, although negotiations face challenges, including delays in the ratification of the Canada-EU trade agreement.

After his meetings in France, Carney will travel to Liverpool, where he is expected to meet British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Discussions are expected to cover defence and security, energy, artificial intelligence and critical minerals as Canada continues efforts to build stronger relationships with European partners.