Carney hosts EU summit in Montreal as Europe’s far right gains alarming momentum
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met European Union leaders in Montreal to reinforce trade and security cooperation, while warning of the growing menace posed by far-right forces in France and Germany.
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed European Union leaders to Montreal for the 21st Canada-EU summit, seeking to deepen cooperation on trade, security and other shared interests at a time when the United States is taking a more protectionist turn. The two-day meeting is meant to strengthen an "alliance for the future" between Canada and the 27-member bloc.
Both Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed shared democratic values and the need for a stable, predictable trade environment. At the same time, the summit comes amid a troubling shift in European politics, where far-right parties are gaining ground in key member states. In France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally leads in polls ahead of the 2027 presidential election and has attacked the Canada-EU trade pact. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) continues to expand its foothold in regional legislatures and national surveys.
"One of Europe's strengths is democracy, freedom and a core belief in the rule of law. There will always be different governments, governments of different stripes in Europe," Carney told reporters.
Carney stressed that Canada’s engagement is not tied to any particular political cycle, but to the basic benefits it delivers for Canadians.
"We're not tying it to any political cycle, but to the fundamentals of what they deliver … for Canadians," he said.
Von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the first associate member of the EU, a suggestion Carney welcomed as a step toward a broader Atlantic partnership. The proposal drew a reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that he could view the move as a hostile act and consider restricting trade with Europe.
A senior Canadian government official clarified that the summit is not aimed at any party and reflects deep mutual interests.
The summit is expected to end with a joint statement setting out new commitments, including a more predictable trade framework, cooperation on critical mineral supply chains, measures to counter cyberattacks, continued support for Ukraine, and negotiations to expand participation in the EU's Erasmus student exchange program.