Carney will address European Parliament next week on new Canada-EU partnership

Prime Minister Mark Carney will address the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week to outline a new economic and security partnership between Canada and the European Union, according to EU Ambassador to Canada Geneviève Tuts.

Tuts called the proposed arrangement "something unique" and said it will not mirror existing EU agreements with Switzerland, Norway, or the United Kingdom. Carney signaled last month he was pursuing "a much stronger and deeper security and economic partnership" with the bloc.

The invitation for Carney to address European lawmakers is exceptional for a non-European leader, Tuts said. While media reports have suggested a deal could emerge from next week's meeting, Tuts cautioned that discussions will centre on a possible partnership rather than a finalized agreement. Both Brussels and Canada will consult with their respective member states and provinces following the meeting.

A possible announcement is expected at an EU-Canada summit scheduled for October 29-30, 2026. The timeline reflects the diplomatic complexity: European institutions and Canadian provinces each need to weigh in before any formal commitment can be made. No details of the partnership proposal have been disclosed.