EditCanada, Carney looks to Europe: first participation in the European Political Community summit
This will be the first time a non-European leader participates in the summit and the first official visit to Armenia by a Canadian prime minister in nearly a decade
Faced with deteriorating relations with the United States, Canada is increasingly turning to Europe as a political and economic partner to diversify its alliances and reduce its dependence on Washington. In confirmation of this shift, Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to the Armenian capital of Yerevan from 2 to 4 May, to attend the eighth summit of the European Political Community, at the explicit invitation of European Council President António Costa and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
This will be the first time a non-European leader participates in the summit and the first official visit to Armenia by a Canadian prime minister in nearly a decade.
“Europe and Canada are more than just partners who share the same ideals: together we are building a global alliance to defend peace, shared prosperity, and multilateralism,” European Council President António Costa wrote on X.
The European Political Community was established in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Its functioning is similar to that of the G20 or G7, as it brings together countries not only within the EU but also in its broader political sphere for dialogue and idea exchange.
The Yerevan Summit will focus on the latest developments in Ukraine and the impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. In addition to the 27 EU member states, participants will include countries such as Norway, Iceland, Turkey, Ukraine, the Balkan states, the United Kingdom, microstates like Andorra and Liechtenstein, and others.
“Guided by shared values and a commitment to international law and the rules-based international order, this historic summit between the EU and Armenia will strengthen bilateral cooperation and represent a significant investment in greater peace, connectivity, and prosperity in the South Caucasus,” Costa stated in a communiqué.
Canada moves closer to European allies
“In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada is drawing ever closer to our European partners and allies,” Carney said in a statement. “United by our shared values, we are promoting cooperation in defence, energy, and technology to build a safer and more prosperous future on both sides of the Atlantic,” he added.
According to a note from the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office, Carney will meet with European leaders with the aim of strengthening collective security and transatlantic defence readiness, while also promoting continued support for Ukraine.
The Prime Minister also intends to present Canada as a preferred destination for global capital and investment, particularly in critical minerals, energy, defence, and advanced technologies. “These efforts will help attract new investment in Canadian companies and projects, creating new opportunities for Canadian workers, families, and businesses,” the note reads.
Carney’s participation in the European Political Community summit is only the latest step in a path of strengthening relations with the European Union that began with the liberal government of the former Bank of Canada governor in March 2025.In the space of a year, Canada and the EU have signed a new Strategic Partnership for the Future between the European Union (EU) and Canada and a Partnership on Security and Defence, aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, technology, energy, and security. In February, Canada became the first non-European country to join the EU’s SAFE (Security Action for Europe) initiative, opening opportunities worth billions of dollars and market access for Canadian defence industries, companies, and workers.
Moreover, according to a poll conducted by Spark Advocacy last March, a majority of Canadians believe that Canada should consider joining the European Union at this delicate time for geopolitical relations. The survey, conducted on a sample of 4,000 people, found that one in four respondents thought it would be a good idea for Canada to formally join the European economic and political bloc. An additional 58% indicated that it was a proposal worth exploring further, while the remainder thought it was a bad idea.
The original article in Italian published by our partner FocusEurope.it can be found here.
Caption: File photo. Canadian PM Mark Carney at the EU-Canada summit, 23 June 2025 [Council newsroom]
Updated: April 29, 2026 - 16:33
