Canada Seeks 'Unique Alliance' With E.U. Amid U.S. Trade War. Here's What It Could Look Like

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is seeking a “unique alliance” with the European Union as he aims to strengthen international ties amid a deepening trade war with the U.S.“What we are looking, and will begin discussions for, [is] a unique alliance with the European Union,” Carney told reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday. “We share the same values, we have the same priorities, and we have very complementary strengths.”Canada’s European pivot has been months in the making, following growing tensions between Carney’s government and the Trump Administration. Canada’s retaliatory tariffs came into effect last week, matching the economic pressure imposed by the U.S. after negotiations collapsed last month. Carney has encouraged Canadians to take back economic power at the kitchen table, and many have embraced a boycott of U.S. products. Trump has also repeatedly threatened Canada’s sovereignty, speaking openly of his desire to annex the country and make it the “51st state.” The U.S. accounted for 72.5% of Canadian merchandise exports in 2025, according to the country's annual trade report, making it Canada’s largest trading partner. But Carney i...