Canada and EU to Unite Against U.S.-China Global Dominance

Canada and the European Union are exploring a broad strategic alliance aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, security and other key areas, as both sides seek to navigate growing competition between the United States and China.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to outline the initiative during her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg on September 16. Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend the address and speak to European lawmakers the following day, highlighting Canada’s push for closer ties with Europe.

The Carney government is seeking to deepen Canada’s integration with the EU without formally joining the bloc, including by expanding access to European markets and strengthening cooperation in areas such as defence, critical minerals, energy, digital trade and secure supply chains. Canada has already joined the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, becoming the first non-European country to participate.

The move comes as Canada works to reduce its economic dependence on the United States amid escalating trade tensions and U.S. tariffs. Carney has repeatedly called for stronger cooperation among “middle powers” as the global order becomes increasingly fragmented.

Canada and the EU are also preparing for a Canada-EU summit scheduled for October 29-30, 2026, where leaders are expected to advance their growing strategic partnership.