Canada, EU forge closer ties amid US relationship uncertainty

Senior officials from Canada and the European Union convened in Montreal to chart a deeper alliance, focusing on areas where the two established democracies share strategic interests and concerns. The talks reflect a broader recalibration of international relations as both parties grapple with shifting dynamics in their ties with Washington.

Defence cooperation stands as a priority for the discussions, with officials exploring enhanced military coordination and interoperability. The EU and Canada have identified artificial intelligence development and governance as another critical area for joint work, recognising the technology's transformative potential across economic and security domains.

Critical minerals featured prominently in the agenda, as both regions seek to reduce dependence on external supply chains for materials essential to clean energy transitions and advanced manufacturing. The focus on resource security reflects shared vulnerabilities and the imperative to diversify sourcing arrangements away from potentially unreliable partners.

The Montreal summit comes as Canada and the European Union each navigate complex relationships with the United States. By deepening their own strategic partnership, the two parties aim to strengthen their collective influence and resilience in an increasingly fragmented global landscape while maintaining their respective commitments to the Western alliance.