By Zoila Palma: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he expects to conclude negotiations with the European Union in June 2027 to establish Canada as the bloc’s first associate member, as both sides seek to strengthen economic and security ties in a changing global order.
The announcement followed a two-day summit in Montreal, where Carney, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa launched a new partnership called the “Alliance for the Future.”
The initiative comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies and threats against traditional allies have prompted Canada and European countries to reduce their dependence on Washington, AP reports.
Carney said the alliance is intended to reinforce sovereignty and allow countries to make their own decisions.
Trump has warned that Canada’s proposed arrangement with the EU could be considered a hostile act and has threatened tariffs against Europe.
However, Carney insisted the partnership was not directed against any country, saying it was about protecting the freedom of Canadians and Europeans to determine their own futures.
The summit also produced progress on economic cooperation, including the conclusion of negotiations on a digital trade agreement, arrangements for European Investment Bank financing of Canadian critical minerals projects, and Canada’s participation in a European supercomputing initiative.
Both sides also agreed to explore linking instant-payment systems to make cross-border transfers faster and cheaper.
Additional discussions will examine Canadian liquefied natural gas exports to Europe, undersea cable connections, student exchanges and expanded cooperation on cybersecurity, Arctic security and defence.
The post International News: Canada and European Union move toward closer alliance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he expects to conclude negotiations with the European Union in June 2027 to establish Canada as the bloc’s first associate member, as both sides seek to strengthen economic and security ties in a changing global order. The announcement followed a two-day summit in Montreal, where Carney,
The post International News: Canada and European Union move toward closer alliance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
