STRASBOURG — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney received a warm reception at the European Parliament on Tuesday as he urged the EU and Canada to forge a deeper strategic partnership, arguing that the global order is shifting in ways that make transatlantic cooperation more vital than ever.
Speaking in the Parliament's chamber in Strasbourg, Carney said the two sides should move beyond the existing Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and explore a more ambitious framework, including the possibility of Canada joining the EU's single market in certain sectors. His remarks drew sustained applause from MEPs across the political spectrum.
"The world is changing faster than our institutions," Carney said. "Canada and Europe share values — democracy, rule of law, and a commitment to a rules-based international system. It is time to turn that affinity into a concrete strategic alliance."
The visit comes as Ottawa seeks to diversify its trade relationships amid escalating tensions with Washington. The Trump administration has threatened tariffs on Canadian goods, and the proposed EU associate membership for Canada has already drawn sharp tariff threats from the White House.
A historic pitch
Carney's address was framed as a historic call for closer ties, echoing the spirit of the 2016 CETA agreement but going further. He emphasized that the EU and Canada are natural partners in areas such as climate action, digital regulation, and supply chain resilience.
"We are not just trading partners; we are partners in shaping the rules of the global economy," he said. "From artificial intelligence to carbon pricing, we can set standards that the rest of the world will follow."
The Canadian leader also stressed the importance of European security, noting that Canada has been a steadfast ally within NATO. He pledged continued support for Ukraine and called for a united front against authoritarian aggression.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who introduced Carney, defended the proposed closer partnership, saying it "is not about targeting any third country" but about strengthening ties between like-minded democracies. Her remarks were seen as a direct response to US criticism.
Mixed reactions
While many MEPs welcomed Carney's vision, some expressed caution. Green and left-wing lawmakers raised concerns about the potential impact of closer integration on labor rights and environmental standards. Others questioned whether the EU should prioritize a partnership with Canada over deepening ties with its immediate neighbors.
"We must be careful not to dilute our own standards in the pursuit of a trade deal," said one French MEP, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Canada is a friend, but we need to ensure that any agreement benefits European workers and consumers."
Despite these reservations, the overall mood in the chamber was positive. Carney received a standing ovation at the end of his speech, a rare honor for a foreign leader. The moment was captured by cameras and quickly circulated on social media.
The visit comes as part of a broader Canadian diplomatic push in Europe. Earlier this week, Carney met with EU leaders in Brussels and with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. He is also scheduled to travel to Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Analysts say the timing is significant. With the US increasingly unpredictable under President Trump, both Canada and the EU are looking to hedge their bets. The proposed associate membership, which would give Canada access to certain EU programs and agencies, is seen as a first step toward a more integrated relationship.
However, the path forward is not without obstacles. The EU's own internal divisions, particularly on trade policy, could slow progress. And the US has made clear it views the move as a challenge to its economic influence.
For now, Carney's speech has energized supporters of closer EU-Canada ties. As one EU diplomat put it, "The applause in Strasbourg was a signal that Europe is ready to look beyond its traditional partnerships. The question is whether we can turn that enthusiasm into action."
