Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, on Thursday emphasized the need to strengthen relations between Canada and the European Union in a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, stating, "Europe and Canada are stronger together." These remarks were made following Donald Trump, the President of the United States, describing Canada's proposed "partner" membership in the European Union as "ridiculous."
Efforts to Reduce Dependence on the U.S. Market
Carney highlighted that Canada and the European Union can act as a defensive shield to preserve their shared values. He aims to establish stronger international relations and reduce Canada's dependence on the U.S. market, especially as the trade war between the two countries has intensified. Canada's retaliatory tariffs were implemented last week in response to the economic pressure the United States had placed on Canada.
Carney did not directly mention Trump but referred to the current fluctuations in Canada-U.S. relations and economic pressures, stating that "a new dimension is needed." He emphasized, "Economic integration has now become a weapon, and tariffs are used to apply pressure." He also pointed to vulnerabilities in supply chains, noting that these chains can be points of weakness for exploitation.
Developing Strategic Cooperation
Carney further emphasized the shared values between Canada and the European Union, stating, "We are not fair-weather allies. We believe that our prosperity increases when it is shared collectively." He added that his goal is not to create a third bloc to compete with major powers but to strengthen Canada's resilience so that no one can control its free markets or threaten its sovereignty.
Carney, who began his speech in French and then continued in English, welcomed the remarks of Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, who had mentioned the possibility of Canada becoming a "partner" member of the union on Wednesday. He also referred to efforts to create closer relations with the European Union, stating, "This includes cooperation in all strategic areas, including critical minerals, defense industrial capabilities, artificial intelligence, energy security, and payments." He stressed that Canada and Europe should not be dependent on any specific country or company, as this creates vulnerabilities.
Carney also mentioned the possibility of free movement between the European Union and Canada, allowing young people to work, study, and live on both sides of the Atlantic. These comments came as Trump harshly criticized the proposal on Wednesday and warned of economic tariffs if the European Union advanced in this area.
Previously, Carney traveled to Liverpool, England, where he met with Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester. The two leaders discussed closer cooperation between the UK and Canada and the importance of establishing similar relations with European partners, especially in trade and defense.
