Canada strengthens EU ties amid US dispute, prepares contribution to Ukraine loan – Financial Times
Sources told the newspaper that Canada and the European Union hope to agree on Canada's contribution to the 90-billion-euro loan for Ukraine. They expect to announce it before the EU summit in Montreal in October.
According to Financial Times sources, Carney wants to build an alliance of liberal democracies committed to preserving the multilateral international order.
They say US President Donald Trump's actions have thrown that order into chaos.
"What we are seeking, and what we will begin discussing, is a unique alliance with the European Union. We share the same values, have the same priorities, and bring complementary strengths," Carney told reporters in Toronto.
At the same time, the prime minister stressed that Canada "is not seeking EU membership."
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Canada was considering seeking "associate EU member" status.
The newspaper notes that contributing to the loan for Ukraine would also demonstrate Canada's commitment to its European allies.
The United Kingdom is currently the only other non-EU country participating in the loan for Ukraine.
"We are grateful for all the support Canada provides to Ukraine and are ready to do even more together," a European official said.
Mark Carney is traveling to Europe this week. He is due to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Strasbourg on Wednesday.
He is then expected to fly to Liverpool to meet the UK's new prime minister, Andy Burnham.
"The EU wants the closest possible relationship with Canada, and that is what we are working toward," the European official added.
Background
Canada's closer ties with the European Union come as its trade dispute with the United States intensifies. On August 22, the US imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods worth approximately 20 billion euros.
The tariff increases targeted Canadian alcohol, electrical equipment, and hockey gear, among other goods. In response, Mark Carney pledged that Ottawa would retaliate against Washington "dollar for dollar."
US President Donald Trump subsequently threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, auto parts, and steel as well. He also once again referred to Canada as a state.
In response, Canada is introducing tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on a range of US imports starting September 8.
Against this backdrop, Canada is also strengthening bilateral cooperation with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently signed a declaration on a 100-year partnership. The document provides for closer economic, security, and political cooperation between the two countries.
According to Zelenskyi, the agreements are worth more than 2 billion US dollars in total. The government package exceeds 1 billion US dollars and includes measures to strengthen air defenses, provide Patriot missiles and munitions for F-16s, and support joint drone production.
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14 of September 2026
