The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is set to attend the most important political event in the European Union’s calendar – he will join President Ursula von der Leyen at the State of the Union address, which will take place in Strasbourg on September 16, reports Politico. Canada’s closeness to the EU comes as Donald Trump continues his trade war against the northern neighbor.
An official from the European Commission, close to Ursula von der Leyen, confirmed that the Canadian Prime Minister has accepted the invitation to participate in the event where the head of the Commission will present her priorities for the bloc.
“Before the summer vacation, the President of the European Commission invited Prime Minister Carney, as a strong demonstration of the EU’s closeness to Canada, and to clearly signal the intention and ambition that exists on both sides to strengthen our partnership,” the quoted official declared.
“In these troubled times, strengthening our relationships in the world is vital.”
Carney will also deliver a speech in the European Parliament, the day after the State of the Union, on September 17, said another official familiar with the preparations.
The US government has imposed tariffs on Canadian exports, which led Canada to respond with taxes on American steel and aluminum.
The Canadian Prime Minister is making efforts to create an alliance of democracies for free trade and is pursuing a closer relationship with the European Union.