European Parliament Opens Ottawa Office as Canada-EU Ties Deepen

Canada and the European Union are set to deepen their diplomatic ties, with the European Parliament announcing the opening of a dedicated office in Ottawa ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Europe.

The move comes as Carney’s government seeks to strengthen trade and defence partnerships with the EU while reducing Canada’s reliance on the United States.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said Monday that Europe and Canada share common views on several issues, including the rules-based international order. She said the new presence in Ottawa would help turn that partnership into closer cooperation.

The Ottawa office will be the European Parliament’s third office in North America, after those in New York and Washington.

Meanwhile, Carney has dismissed speculation that Canada could become a member of the European Union. He is scheduled to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday.