The European Union and Canada will announce agreements in the field of minerals and artificial intelligence to enhance their bilateral relations during a meeting in Montreal on Friday. This collaboration comes as both parties face increasing pressures from the United States and China.
Meeting of Leaders and Senior Officials
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, will meet with Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, on the second day of the meeting, which will also include discussions between Canadian officials and senior EU representatives. Mark Carney stated at this meeting: "Identifying shared values and the potential for collaboration has never been more important," adding that Brussels and Ottawa are facing "a breakdown in the global order."
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Focus on Minerals and Artificial Intelligence
The two parties, who already have a free trade agreement, have been seeking closer ties following Donald Trump's return to the White House and changes in relations with Washington's traditional allies. Both countries have been affected by U.S. tariffs and territorial threats. Ursula von der Leyen said at an event in Montreal: "We both want to elevate our relationship to the highest possible level."
Key minerals, which are used in green technologies such as batteries and wind turbines, are central to this collaboration. Europe sources most of these materials from China, while Canada has rich reserves but requires significant infrastructure investments to develop its mining industry. An agreement is expected to be announced regarding the European Investment Bank's support for Canadian mineral projects.
The two sides also intend to collaborate in the field of artificial intelligence, where they have lagged behind the United States and China. Von der Leyen added: "When access to this technology is in the hands of a few large companies, decisions made elsewhere can put our essential businesses and services at risk. That is why we are collaborating."
Additionally, an agreement on digital trade is expected to be signed, paving the way for Canada's participation in EU programs such as the Erasmus student exchange scheme and the Galileo satellite navigation system, which is an alternative to the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS).
The Trump administration described the idea of closer EU-Canada relations as "laughable" and "a hostile act." Carney stated on Thursday that the United States would also benefit from diversifying Canada's partnerships.
