Speaking at a Canada-EU summit in Montreal on Friday alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, Carney said closer cooperation would create economic opportunities, strengthen security and reduce dependence on other global powers, Anadolu Agency reported.
The summit saw the launch of the Canada-EU Alliance for the Future, an initiative focused on trade, energy, critical minerals, technology and security. Both sides also agreed to strengthen supply chains and expand opportunities for businesses and workers, according to a joint statement.
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The statement announced the conclusion of negotiations on digital trade and competition agreements, as well as plans to explore investment opportunities in Canada’s critical minerals sector. The leaders also called for a feasibility study on long-term Canadian liquefied natural gas exports to Europe as part of efforts to strengthen energy security.
Carney highlighted the potential benefits for Canadians, including improved access to European markets and expanded opportunities for students and researchers through EU programmes.
The two sides aim to define the terms of a closer partnership by their next summit in 2027, with discussions expected to continue in the coming months.
Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty, Carney said stronger Canada-EU relations would enable both sides to draw on each other’s strengths and gain greater control over their economic futures.
