Canadian PM Mark Carney to address European Parliament amid US trade tensions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg to participate in the State of the Union (SOTEU) proceedings. Carney is scheduled to attend the speech by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and will deliver a formal address to MEPs on September 17.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described Carney as an ‘invited guest of honor,’ noting that the visit serves to deepen and strengthen the ties between the European Union and Canada. This diplomatic engagement comes amid heightened trade tensions between Canada and the United States. Following the collapse of bilateral negotiations, Ottawa has responded to 50% tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on steel, automobiles, and other goods—valued at approximately 17 billion euros—with its own levies.

The visit is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the Canada-EU partnership as Canada navigates a difficult commercial relationship with Washington.