Canada and EU Vow to Weather Global Storms Together

Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England and current Prime Minister of Canada, addressed the European Parliament on September 17, 2026. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of a deepened partnership between Canada and the European Union in the face of global challenges.

Citing the example of the Goethe oak at Ettersberg in Germany, Carney highlighted the long-standing ties between Canada and Europe, rooted in shared values such as freedom, democracy, and human dignity. He noted that these bonds are not limited to trade agreements or geographical proximity but are strengthened by an elective affinity between the two regions.

Carney acknowledged the current challenges facing both Canada and Europe, including climate change, democratic erosion, and economic disruption. However, he argued that a strong partnership can help anchor their ground, preserve sovereignty, and foster collective resilience in the face of these challenges.

The Canadian Prime Minister proposed building on existing agreements, such as CETA and the Strategic Partnership Agreement, to create an alliance for the future between Canada and the European Union. He emphasized that this would enable both regions to share strengths, leverage their combined capabilities, and address strategic gaps in areas like AI, semiconductors, and clean-energy technologies.