Canada is quietly forging unprecedented ties with the European Union, moving so close to the continental bloc that officials in Brussels now describe Ottawa as acting "increasingly like the EU's 28th member state," according to a Bloomberg analysis.
The realignment, driven by Prime Minister Mark Carney's administration, represents a fundamental shift in Canada's traditional North American orientation. For seven decades, Ottawa's foreign and trade policy centered on its relationship with Washington. That calculus is changing under pressure from the Trump administration's unpredictable approach to allies.
Canada has accelerated implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the EU, eliminated remaining tariff barriers ahead of schedule, and is negotiating mutual recognition of regulatory standards that would effectively integrate Canadian industries into European frameworks.
On defense, Ottawa has increased cooperation with European NATO members independently of U.S. command structures. Canadian forces are participating in EU-led training missions and Ottawa has committed to joint procurement of military equipment with European partners, reducing dependence on American defense contractors.
The diplomatic pivot extends to global governance. Canada has aligned its positions at the United Nations and World Trade Organization more closely with EU positions than with Washington's on issues ranging from climate change to international justice.
To understand today's headlines, we must look at yesterday's decisions. 's relationship with the has been fraught since 's return to office. The president has repeatedly threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, suggested should be annexed as the 51st state, and privately referred to as according to diplomatic sources.
