Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to deliver a speech at the European Parliament next month in Strasbourg, France, as confirmed by his office on Wednesday. During his visit, Carney will engage with European Parliament members to enhance Canada’s connections with the European Union, benefiting both nations, as stated in a release.
Additionally, the day before his speech, the prime minister will participate in the State of the European Union address, a significant annual event in Europe delivered by Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission.
Amid Canada’s ongoing trade tensions with the United States, Carney has been striving to strengthen ties with Europe. The visit follows the breakdown of trade discussions between Ottawa and Washington over the weekend, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Canada has recently inked multiple partnership agreements with the EU and became the first non-European nation to join Security Action for Europe, which offers €150 billion in defense spending loans.
A spokesperson for the European Commission emphasized the importance of Carney’s visit, highlighting it as a strong indicator of the close relationship between Canada and the EU. The spokesperson conveyed in an email to CBC News the intention to elevate the partnership between both parties, especially during challenging global circumstances.
While Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman criticized the move, suggesting that Carney should prioritize recalling Parliament before addressing another legislature abroad, the visit signifies the commitment of both Canada and the EU to strengthen international relationships during these critical times.
