Carney Begins European Mission to Strengthen Economic Ties

WARSAW – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Poland on Saturday, embarking on a mission aimed at enhancing economic and security relationships with European allies. This visit marks the start of a broader series of engagements in Europe, which will also include stops in Berlin and Riga, Latvia.

Carney’s trip follows his departure from Ottawa early in the morning. This journey is his fourth to Europe since assuming office in March 2025. With the relationship between Canada and the United States facing challenges under President Donald Trump, Carney is prioritizing closer ties with Europe. He is accompanied by key members of his cabinet, including Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, Defence Minister David McGuinty, and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.

In earlier trips, Carney has emphasized Canada’s European connections. Just after taking office, he visited France and the UK, where he referred to Canada as the “most European of non-European nations.” His engagements included discussions with prominent leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. In June, Carney signed a new defence and security agreement with the European Union, allowing Canada to participate in the Re-Arm Europe initiative, which aims to fortify the continent’s defense capabilities.

Strengthening Trade and Security in Poland

During his visit to Poland, Carney is expected to meet with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki. A senior government official noted that discussions will focus on advancing trade talks in sectors such as energy, defence, and aerospace. The support for Ukraine is also a significant topic, given Poland’s role as a critical transit point for military assistance to the country. Since 2015, Canada has trained approximately 45,000 Ukrainian troops through Operation Unifier, with much of the training occurring in Poland following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Marcin Gabrys, chair of Canadian Studies at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, highlighted the robust relationship between Canada and Poland. He expressed hopes for greater cooperation in various sectors, including nuclear technology, with the signing of an agreement in January for small modular reactor projects. Gabrys pointed out that there are numerous opportunities for economic collaboration, particularly in mining and critical minerals, supported by Poland’s large diaspora in Canada.

Engagements in Germany and Latvia

Following his discussions in Poland, Carney will head to Germany, where he is scheduled to meet with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Prime Minister has indicated a commitment to enhancing Canada’s existing partnership with Germany, particularly in the areas of critical minerals, energy, and security. Germany stands as Canada’s largest export market in Europe, and both nations jointly pledged $600 million to facilitate the export of Canadian hydrogen to Europe through an agreement signed in August 2022.

Carney’s trip will culminate in a visit to Latvia, where he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and visit Canadian troops stationed in the country. Canada has been leading a multinational NATO battle group in Latvia since 2017, part of NATO’s efforts to reinforce its eastern flank amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The Canadian Armed Forces’ contingent in Latvia is the largest overseas mission for Canada, with approximately 1,900 personnel deployed.

Marcus Kolga, a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, emphasized the importance of the Latvian mission, stating that it represents one of Canada’s most significant international commitments since World War II. He noted that the presence of Canadian forces allows local populations to maintain their normal lives despite the looming threat from Russia.

As Carney navigates this diplomatic journey, he does so against a backdrop of intensifying efforts to broker peace in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. Earlier this month, President Trump engaged with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in discussions aimed at finding a resolution. Canada remains a member of the Coalition of the Willing, dedicated to supporting Ukraine during this crisis. While Carney has participated in virtual meetings of this coalition, details regarding Canada’s potential role in future peacekeeping efforts remain unconfirmed.

With this trip, Carney aims to redefine Canada’s international relationships and enhance economic prospects with European partners, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to global security and cooperation in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges.