Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting France and the UK today and tomorrow to reaffirm Canada’s position in the international scene.
Mark Carney’s first trips abroad as newly elected Prime Minister of Canada are to France and the UK. His goal is to “strengthen trade, commercial, and defence ties with two of Canada’s strongest and most reliable partners.”
The Prime Minister arrived in Paris today and visited Notre Dame in the morning, then he met with President Macron at the Élysée palace.
We both stand for sovereignty and security, demonstrated by our unwavering support for Ukraine under your leadership,
said Carney addressing the French President.
Canada, chair of the next G7 summit, wants to strengthen ties with its “loyal partners,” to ensure security in these uncertain geopolitical times and commit to thriving trade relations.
With you Mister President, I want to ensure that France and Europe work enthusiastically with Canada, the most European of non-european countries,
said Carney at today’s joint conference.
An international response to Trump’s tariffs
Speaking with Carney, Macron said that both countries “believe that fair trade that respects international rules is good for everyone’s prosperity, and is certainly more effective than tariffs.”
This allusion comes at a time when, starting March 4, Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on goods coming from Canada into the U.S. and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports to the States, and when the EU has just responded to Trump’s tariff on steel and aluminum.
EU – Canada relations
EU and Canada’s trading relation is based on the CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), signed in 2016 and provisionally applied since 2017.
Among other elements, this agreement eliminates duties on 99% of all tariff lines and improves and guarantees reciprocate access to services market.
Last week EU Commission President von der Leyen congratulated Carney on winning the Liberal leadership race and becoming the 24th Prime Minister of Canada.
The Canadian leader will travel to the UK next, a key partner in the Commonwealth, and visit London to speak with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, the official head of state of Canada.
