Carney eyes ‘unique alliance’ with EU as Trump trade war strains Canada’s ties with US
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking a 'unique alliance' with the European Union to strengthen economic ties amid a trade war with the United States. This pivot follows the imposition of significant tariffs on Canadian goods by the Trump administration.
Why it matters
The shift represents a major realignment in North American and European trade policy in response to protectionist U.S. economic measures.
“We share the same values, we have the same priorities and we have very complementary strengths,” the Canadian prime minister told reporters in Toronto.
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to forge much closer ties with the EU. | Andrej Ivanov/AFP via Getty Images September 14, 2026 10:15 am CET By Milena Wälde Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday that he is not seeking full EU membership but wants to forge much closer ties with the bloc, as he prepares to travel to Strasbourg amid an escalating trade war with the U.S.
“We’re not looking to become a member of the European Union,” Carney told reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival. “What we are looking — and will begin discussions for — [is] a unique alliance with the European Union.”
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