Carney Signals Visa Talks for Canadians During Europe Trip

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that visa requirements for Canadians could be raised during his visit to Europe as Canada seeks to deepen its strategic and economic relationship with the European Union.

Carney left Canada Tuesday for a three-day trip to Strasbourg, France, and Liverpool, UK. In Strasbourg, he is attending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union address and will address the European Parliament on Thursday.

During the trip, Carney is also expected to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool for discussions on defence, security, energy, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.

Canada is exploring a deeper partnership with the EU that could potentially expand opportunities for Canadians to live, work and study in Europe with fewer visa restrictions. The proposal is part of broader efforts to strengthen trade, investment and people-to-people ties.

However, the main focus of Carney’s European visit is expected to be attracting investment and expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, energy and critical minerals.