Key Takeaways
- Mark Carney will visit Strasbourg and Liverpool from September 15 to 17 to strengthen Canada’s relationships with European partners.
- The agenda covers trade, investment, defence, energy, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.
- The European Union was Canada’s second-largest trading partner for goods and services in 2025, with approximately $178 billion in total trade.
Carney Begins Europe Visit in Strasbourg
Carney is travelling to Strasbourg on September 15 after attending the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto.
During his time in Strasbourg, the Prime Minister is scheduled to address the European Parliament at the invitation of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
He will also attend European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the European Union address and meet members of the European Parliament.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening Canada’s relationship with the European Union, particularly in areas including trade, investment and security.
Canada Looks to Deepen EU Trade and Investment
The European Union is already one of Canada’s most important economic partners.
According to the Canadian government, the EU was Canada’s second-largest global trading partner for goods and services in 2025, with total trade worth approximately $178 billion.
The EU was also Canada’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment after the United States.
EU foreign direct investment stock in Canada was estimated at $217 billion in 2025, while Canadian direct investment in the EU reached approximately $315 billion.
These figures underline the economic importance of the relationship as Canada seeks to diversify its international partnerships.
Defence and Security Become Bigger Priorities
Security cooperation is another major part of Canada’s growing relationship with Europe.
Canada and the EU signed a Security and Defence Partnership in 2025, bringing their cooperation across security and defence activities under a broader political framework.
Canada also became the first non-European country to join the European Union’s Security Action for Europe, known as SAFE, in February 2026.
The initiative is intended to strengthen defence readiness and create opportunities for Canadian defence industries, businesses and workers.
Carney Heads to Liverpool Next
Following his meetings in Strasbourg, Carney will travel to Liverpool in the United Kingdom.
There, he is scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham for the first time.
The two leaders are expected to discuss priorities for the Canada-UK relationship, including defence and security, energy, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.
The discussions could provide another opportunity for Canada to expand cooperation with a major European partner across strategic industries.
Artificial Intelligence and Critical Minerals
Technology and critical minerals have become increasingly important parts of Canada’s international economic strategy.
Canada and European partners have already identified artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure as areas for deeper cooperation.
Critical minerals are also strategically important because they support industries ranging from advanced manufacturing and batteries to defence and emerging technologies.
Closer cooperation with European partners could help Canada expand markets for its resources while strengthening supply-chain resilience.
Canada and Europe Move Closer
The upcoming visit is part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to strengthen relationships with European allies and diversify partnerships abroad.
Canada has described Europe as a natural partner because of shared values, economic interests and security priorities.
The government says stronger cooperation can help create greater certainty, security and prosperity for Canadians and European partners.
The visit also comes ahead of the next Canada-EU Summit, scheduled to take place in Canada from October 29 to 30, 2026.
Why the Trip Matters
Carney’s European visit comes at a time when Canada is seeking to expand its economic and strategic options internationally.
Trade diversification, defence cooperation, energy security, artificial intelligence and access to critical minerals are becoming increasingly connected to national economic and security strategies.
By strengthening relationships with Europe, Canada aims to create new opportunities for businesses and workers while building stronger partnerships in areas considered strategically important.
What Comes Next
Carney’s meetings in Strasbourg and Liverpool will be closely watched for announcements involving trade, investment, defence, energy and technology.
The visit could also help establish priorities for the upcoming Canada-EU Summit and deepen cooperation between Canada and its European partners.
For Canada, the broader objective is clear: strengthen relationships with trusted allies while creating new economic opportunities and improving long-term security.