Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded a significant European tour on November 12, reinforcing Canada’s growing alliance with the European Union. During a summit, Carney met with leaders from Cyprus, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, and Sweden to explore trade expansion, market access, and supply chain resilience. He also participated in a meeting with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming Canada’s support for Ukraine and emphasizing the need for collective defence and transatlantic security.
The visit follows the Canada-EU Summit in Montréal last October, where Carney, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa launched the Alliance for the Future. This initiative includes over 20 measures spanning digital trade, advanced technologies, energy, critical minerals, defence, and investment. Canada is also pursuing closer ties with the EU, aiming to become the bloc’s first associate member.
Economic ties between Canada and the EU are robust, with bilateral trade rising 10% between 2024 and 2025 to approximately $178 billion. The EU is Canada’s second-largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment, with EU investment stock in Canada estimated at $219 billion in 2025. Canadian direct investment in the EU totalled $315 billion during the same period.
Carney highlighted that the partnership is built on shared history, common values, and mutual respect, aiming to create more opportunities and a more affordable future for citizens. His European visit is part of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify international partnerships and strengthen its economy. Carney is next scheduled to travel to the Philippines, Cambodia, and China to advance trade agreements and cooperation.