Strengthening Alliances and Securing the Future: Prime Minister Carney’s European Tour

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"As the world becomes more dangerous and divided, Canada is focused on strengthening and diversifying its international partnerships. Canada is deepening co-operation on trade, energy, and defense with our long-standing European allies. Together, we will create greater security, stability, and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic."— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming trip to Europe, spanning from August 25 to 27, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Canada as it deepens ties with key European allies—Poland, Germany, and Latvia—on crucial areas of trade, energy, defense, and security. In the face of increasing global instability, the Prime Minister’s mission is clear: to reinforce Canada’s position as a steadfast partner committed to peace, prosperity, and mutual growth.

Strengthening Canada’s Bond with Poland

Prime Minister Carney’s visit will begin in Warsaw, where he is set to meet with Polish leaders to further solidify the strategic partnership between the two nations. The focus will be on fostering collaboration in sectors vital to both economies—energy, aerospace, and defense—while reinforcing the commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. Poland, a NATO member on the frontlines of the Ukrainian conflict, has long been an ally in Canada’s efforts to support Ukraine’s security forces. Since 2015, Operation UNIFIER has seen Canada train over 45,000 Ukrainian personnel, a testament to the close military collaboration between the two countries.

In his meetings with Polish business leaders, the Prime Minister will promote new industrial partnerships in critical sectors. The Canadian government aims to strengthen its economic footprint in Poland, which, as the fastest-growing economy in the European Union, is a key player in the region’s stability and growth. Moreover, Carney will reiterate Canada's unshakeable support for lasting peace in Ukraine, echoing the sentiment that no decisions about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine, and no decisions about Europe should be made without Europe.

Economic and Security Ties with Germany

From Warsaw, the Prime Minister will head to Berlin to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where they will discuss advancing economic co-operation and addressing global security challenges. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is also Canada’s largest merchandise export market within the EU, with a two-way merchandise trade total of $30.5 billion in 2024. Their partnership extends far beyond trade, as both nations face similar challenges in securing resilient supply chains, particularly in energy and critical minerals.

Prime Minister Carney will also meet with top corporate leaders to explore new investment opportunities in critical sectors such as natural resources and defense, helping to further secure Canada’s position as a global leader in these vital industries. With Germany’s leadership in the G7 and its growing role in global security, this visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and align both nations’ objectives in tackling climate change, economic instability, and emerging security threats.

Enhancing Relations with Latvia and NATO Support

The final leg of the Prime Minister’s tour will bring him to Riga, Latvia, where he will engage with Latvian leaders to bolster the bilateral relationship and explore new opportunities for trade, particularly in defense. Latvia, as a NATO member and host to one of Canada’s largest military deployments, plays a key role in Europe’s security architecture.

As the Framework Nation for NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Latvia, Canada has a significant military presence in the country, with approximately 2,000 Canadian Armed Forces members currently deployed as part of Operation REASSURANCE. The Prime Minister will visit these forces to personally thank them for their service and to underscore Canada’s ongoing commitment to maintaining stability in the Baltic region, especially amidst the heightened tensions from Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine.

A Vision for Shared Prosperity

As Prime Minister Carney embarks on his European tour, the overarching message is one of unity and shared goals. The world faces increasing geopolitical uncertainty, from Russia’s actions in Ukraine to growing energy and resource shortages. For Canada, strengthening ties with its European allies is not just a matter of political convenience—it is essential to fostering long-term stability and prosperity for both sides of the Atlantic.

With trade, energy, and defense at the forefront of discussions, Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Poland, Germany, and Latvia signals Canada’s ongoing commitment to a strong, unified, and secure global order. The outcomes of this trip could shape the future of Canada’s relationships with its European partners, reinforcing Canada’s role as a reliable ally in the ever-evolving international landscape.