Carney Joins European Summit as Canada–EU Ties Draw Attention
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has become the first non-European leader to attend a summit of the European Political Community, as discussions about closer ties between Canada and Europe gain momentum.
Carney arrived in Yerevan on Sunday ahead of the gathering of around 45 leaders, where he met Roberta Metsola. The forum, launched by Emmanuel Macron following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aims to strengthen political coordination across the continent and beyond.
Growing geopolitical pressure
The summit comes amid rising tensions with the United States under Donald Trump, whose recent policies, including trade tariffs on European countries and Canada, troop withdrawals from Germany, and controversial foreign policy positions, have strained transatlantic relations.
European leaders such as Keir Starmer, Friedrich Merz and Giorgia Meloni have increasingly found themselves at odds with Washington, particularly over conflicts in the Middle East and security policy.
Push for strategic autonomy
Carney has warned that reliance on the U.S. for economic, defence, and cultural integration is no longer sustainable. Speaking earlier this year, he described a global «rupture» that could leave mid-sized powers vulnerable if they fail to coordinate.
European and Canadian leaders are now exploring ways to strengthen cooperation, with some officials even joking about Canada joining the European Union, an idea that has gained surprising public support in Canada, though it remains unlikely.
While largely symbolic, Carney’s participation underscores a broader shift as Europe and its allies seek to position themselves between the competing influence of the U.S. and China.
