Prime Minister Mark Carney is moving to strengthen Canada’s relationship with the European Union, proposing a new form of partnership that could expand cooperation in trade, defence, research, energy and education.

Carney is travelling to Europe this week, where he is expected to promote what he describes as a “unique alliance” between Canada and the EU. The proposal would not involve Canada becoming an EU member, but would seek much closer strategic and economic cooperation.

The initiative comes as Ottawa continues to face difficult trade relations with the United States. Carney has argued that Canada needs to diversify its international economic partnerships and reduce excessive dependence on a single market.

A major focus is the Canada-EU trade relationship. Carney is urging more European countries to complete ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), while also seeking stronger cooperation in areas including defence, critical minerals, technology and research.

Carney is also expected to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, giving the Canadian government an important opportunity to outline its broader foreign-policy strategy.

The proposed EU partnership could become one of the most significant shifts in Canada’s international economic and diplomatic strategy, particularly as Ottawa seeks new markets and stronger alliances beyond the United States.