Mark Carney says Canada's Europe aim isn't becoming "a great-power rival — only with better manners"

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, drew laughter when he described Canada’s goal in deepening ties with Europe as something other than entering a contest of powerful states with polished conduct. The comment came amid tensions with Washington: Carney ended trade negotiations last month over US conditions he said threatened Canadian sovereignty, and then faced additional tariffs. Since becoming prime minister in March 2025, he has sought closer economic and security relationships beyond the United States, traveling to Europe, the Gulf states, China, Davos and India and signing an accord with Ukraine intended to last a century. The shift reflects Canada’s effort to find alternatives as Carney points to a breakdown in the established international system.