Canada strengthens strategic partnership with Europe during Prime Minister Carney’s historic visit to Armenia

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently concluded his first official visit to Armenia, marking a significant milestone as the first Canadian Prime Minister to visit the country in nearly a decade. The visit coincided with the 8th European Political Community (EPC) Summit held in Yerevan, where Prime Minister Carney became the first non-European leader to participate.

Canada is focused on fortifying its domestic strength while diversifying international partnerships with like-minded allies. Canada and Europe, united by a shared history and common values, stand as natural partners. By deepening cooperation, both regions aim to foster greater stability, security, and prosperity.

During the summit, Prime Minister Carney held bilateral meetings with key European leaders, including the heads of state and government of Armenia, France, Italy, Poland, and Spain, as well as representatives from the European Council, the European Commission, and the European Parliament.

Prime Minister Carney quoted, “As Canada works to diversify our international relationships, we look first to our longstanding European partners and allies. We share the history, values, and ambition to build a better, more just future. In a more dangerous and divided world, a stronger partnership between Canada and Europe will create more stability, more security, and more prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Canada maintains preferential access to 1.5 billion consumers through 16 free trade agreements covering 51 countries and approximately two-thirds of global GDP.

Positioning Canada as a premier investment destination

At these high-level discussions, Prime Minister Carney positioned Canada as a premier destination for global capital and investment, highlighting opportunities in critical sectors such as minerals, energy, defence, and advanced technologies. 

These efforts are designed to attract new investments into Canadian companies and projects, thereby unlocking fresh opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.

The meetings also reinforced collective security and transatlantic defence readiness. To show Canada’s commitment, Prime Minister Carney announced a new contribution of approximately $270 million (US$200 million) toward critical military capabilities aligned with NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), further supporting Ukraine amid ongoing challenges.

Building on a year of strengthened Canada-Europe relations

Over the past year, Canada and Europe have strengthened their partnerships in trade, energy, and security.

In June 2025, the two partners established the New EU-Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future and the Security and Defence Partnership to enhance collaboration in trade, technology, energy, and security.

In February 2026, Canada became the first non-European country to join the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative.

This membership provides Canadian defence industries, businesses, and workers with access to billions in opportunities, strengthening Canada’s position as a reliable partner in European security.

It is to be noted that the EU is Canada’s second-largest global trading partner for goods and services, with a total trade value of $178.6 billion in 2025.

It is also Canada’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), with EU FDI stock in Canada estimated at $218.8 billion in 2025, while Canadian direct investment in the EU reached $297 billion.

In 2025, Canada’s merchandise exports to Armenia totalled $25.3 million, while imports from Armenia totalled $12.8 million.

Canada’s engagement with Europe shows a renewed commitment to building a resilient, secure, and prosperous transatlantic partnership.