European Commission President von der Leyen said in his 2026 “Union Address” at the European Parliament on the 16th that he is willing to work with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to make Canada the first “joint member” of the European Union. Canadian Prime Minister Carney's current visit to Europe proposed that Canada is seeking to establish a “unique alliance” with the European Union. Expert analysis points out that in the context of the ongoing trade dispute between the US and Canada, Canada's move not only actively adjusts its strategy and promotes diversification of foreign relations, but also sends a signal to the US to increase its initiative in future US-Canada trade negotiations.

European Commission President von der Leyen said in his 2026 “Union Address” at the European Parliament on the 16th that he is willing to work with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to make Canada the first “joint member” of the European Union. Canadian Prime Minister Carney's current visit to Europe proposed that Canada is seeking to establish a “unique alliance” with the European Union. Expert analysis points out that in the context of the ongoing trade dispute between the US and Canada, Canada's move not only actively adjusts its strategy and promotes diversification of foreign relations, but also sends a signal to the US to increase its initiative in future US-Canada trade negotiations.