Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament next month, a high-profile engagement underscoring Canada's strategic pivot to deepen relations with Europe amidst escalating trade tensions with the United States. The visit also includes attendance at the European Union's annual State of the Union address.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her address on Sept. 16, with Carney attending as a guest of honor before speaking to lawmakers the following day. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated that the visit presents an "opportunity to deepen EU-Canada ties and strengthen our bond."
This diplomatic engagement follows the collapse of recent U.S.-Canada trade talks and the imposition of new tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs in response to the U.S. measures.
Europe has become a focal point for Canada's strategy to reduce its economic reliance on the United States. Prime Minister Carney has advocated for middle powers to collaborate rather than compete for influence with larger nations. Since taking office in March 2025, he has made at least 12 trips to Europe.
Canada's ties with Europe have been further solidified through a security and defense pact, and Canada's recent admission as the first non-European country into the EU's Security Action for Europe initiative.
Carney has set an objective to double Canada's exports to non-U.S. markets over the next decade, a goal aimed at mitigating the country's economic dependence on the United States. His prior experience as governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England has contributed to his established connections within Europe.