Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to Europe on Tuesday, signalling Ottawa's intent to deepen its relationship with the European Union as transatlantic ties with Washington remain strained. The trip will take him to Strasbourg, in eastern France, and to Liverpool in the United Kingdom's northwest.
In Strasbourg, Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament and meet with MEPs, with the stated goal of reinforcing Canada's partnership with the EU in trade, investment, and security. He will also attend European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the European Union address on Wednesday, a key moment for the bloc's political agenda.
A bespoke arrangement, not membership
According to a senior Canadian official familiar with the talks, Carney intends to use the visit to propose a new arrangement that would allow Canadians to live and work across the EU without visa restrictions. The official, speaking to the Associated Press, stressed that Ottawa is not seeking a Norway- or Switzerland-style agreement, nor has it proposed "associate membership" of the bloc.
Instead, the Canadian government is looking for a tailored deal that aligns with its priorities, with investment at its core. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Carney clarified that Canada does not aspire to join the EU, but rather to forge what he called a "unique alliance" with the bloc. This echoes his earlier remarks at the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, where he emphasised the importance of diversifying economic partnerships.
The push for closer EU ties comes as Canada faces renewed trade friction with the United States. In late August, 50% US tariffs on roughly C$28 billion worth of Canadian goods took effect after talks on avoiding the duties collapsed. Ottawa responded with counter-tariffs of up to 50% on about C$27.6 billion in US imports.
Despite the dispute, Carney told investors in Toronto that Canada "will continue to be the US's most important partner in many key areas." He added: "Even at times of disagreement over our long-shared history, we have always maintained deep ties." The event brought together global investors, Canadian executives, and public-sector representatives as part of a broader effort to attract foreign investment.
The visit to Europe underscores a strategic shift in Canadian foreign policy, as Ottawa seeks to reduce its economic dependence on its southern neighbour. The EU is already Canada's second-largest trading partner, and both sides have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as critical minerals, clean technology, and digital trade.
Carney's itinerary also includes a stop in Liverpool, a city with strong historical links to Canada through trade and migration. The choice of the UK, outside the EU, highlights the breadth of Canada's European engagement, which extends beyond the bloc to include key partners like the UK, Switzerland, and Norway.
Analysts note that any mobility deal with the EU would be a significant step, potentially easing labour shortages in both regions and fostering deeper people-to-people ties. However, such agreements are complex, requiring alignment on social security, taxation, and recognition of professional qualifications.
The European Parliament has recently been vocal about migration and permit issues, as seen in its push for strict deadlines on work permits, which has clashed with member states. A Canada-EU mobility arrangement would need to navigate these sensitivities.
Carney's visit comes at a time when the EU is also recalibrating its external relations, from managing its stance on China to addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Canadian leader's presence in Strasbourg will be watched closely as a signal of transatlantic solidarity beyond the US.
