Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to deliver a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, next month, as confirmed by his office on Wednesday. During his visit, Carney will also engage with members of the European Parliament to enhance the relationship between Canada and the European Union, benefiting both populations.
Leading up to his speech, Carney will participate in the State of the European Union address, an annual event delivered by Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, considered a significant political occasion in Europe. The prime minister’s efforts to strengthen ties with Europe come amidst Canada’s trade dispute with the United States, as talks between Ottawa and Washington recently collapsed, adding strain to bilateral relations.
In the past year, Canada has inked several partnership agreements with the EU and became the inaugural non-European nation to join Security Action for Europe, offering €150 billion in defense spending loans. A spokesperson for the European Commission highlighted Carney’s visit as a testament to the close bond between Canada and the EU, emphasizing the mutual goal of enhancing their partnership during challenging global times.
However, conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman criticized the announcement, questioning why Carney is traveling abroad to address the EU Parliament without recalling the Canadian Parliament. Lantsman expressed her concerns on social media, raising doubts about the prime minister’s priorities amid his international engagements.
