The European Union and Canada are actively developing a far-reaching alliance designed to bolster their relationship across various sectors, from trade to security. This initiative is seen as a strategic move by the transatlantic partners to create a new power bloc that can offset the dominance of the United States and China in global politics.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is slated to announce these plans at her state of the union address in Strasbourg, France, on September 16. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend this speech and will subsequently address European lawmakers the following day.
Canada's government has prioritized a deeper partnership with the EU, exploring all options short of full membership. Key areas of discussion include cooperation on "strategic capabilities" such as defense, space exploration, and scientific research. This push for closer ties comes amidst a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Canada and the US, highlighted by Canada imposing retaliatory tariffs of 15% to 50% on hundreds of American goods.
