Carney hosts EU summit in Montreal as Europe’s nationalist backlash reshapes politics
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met European Union leaders in Montreal to strengthen trade and security ties, while acknowledging the rising nationalist movements in France and Germany that are challenging Brussels’ agenda.
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed European Union leaders to Montreal for the 21st Canada-EU summit, aiming to deepen cooperation on trade, security and other shared interests as the United States adopts a more protectionist stance. The two-day meeting seeks to cement an "alliance for the future" between Canada and the 27-member bloc.
Both Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted common democratic values and the importance of a predictable trade environment. But the summit arrives as European voters increasingly turn toward parties that reject the old Brussels consensus. In France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally leads in polls ahead of the 2027 presidential election and has criticized the Canada-EU trade pact. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) continues to expand its presence 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 said Canada’s engagement is not tied to any specific political cycle, but to the practical benefits it provides 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 prompted a response from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that he could interpret the move as a hostile act and consider restricting trade with Europe.
A senior Canadian government official clarified that the summit is not directed against any party and reflects deep mutual interests.
The summit is expected to conclude with a joint statement outlining 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.