Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a speech to the European Parliament on Thursday, addressing Madam President Metsola, Madam President von der Leyen, esteemed members of the European Parliament, and distinguished colleagues. Carney expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak at this crucial session and emphasized the need to incorporate a new dimension into the response to the current geopolitical challenges.
Carney highlighted the historical ties between the European Union and Canada, emphasizing that their connection goes beyond trade agreements and treaties, rooted deeply in shared values and ideals. He referenced the symbolic significance of the Goethe oak in Germany, reflecting on its historical journey from a representation of European culture to a witness of moral failures during darker times.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of continuous efforts to uphold freedom and values, emphasizing that these principles require daily dedication and vigilance. He acknowledged the heroic actions of the European resistance during the war and the subsequent developments that led to the establishment and expansion of the European Union.
Carney drew parallels between the shared values represented by the Goethe oak and the enduring partnership between Canada and the European Union. He highlighted the reciprocal exchange of seeds, values, ideas, and progress across the Atlantic over the centuries, emphasizing a commitment to common values and principles.
The speech emphasized the need for collective resilience and strategic cooperation in the face of contemporary challenges such as climate change, erosion of democratic norms, and trade conflicts. Carney proposed deeper collaboration between Canada and Europe in critical areas such as strategic capabilities, digital trade, people-to-people ties, and research collaboration.
The Prime Minister welcomed the idea of an alliance for the future between Canada and the European Union, emphasizing the shared values and strengths that could be leveraged for mutual benefit. He outlined specific areas of cooperation, including critical minerals, energy security, AI development, and financial services integration, as opportunities for enhancing sovereignty and resilience.
Carney concluded by advocating for a principled alliance based on freedom, solidarity, prosperity, and sustainability, positioning Canada and the EU as beacons for other democracies. He highlighted the historical significance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the symbolic growth of Vimy oaks in Canada and France as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two entities.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude and concluded his speech by emphasizing the collective efforts needed to deepen the roots of their partnership and cultivate a transatlantic forest where citizens can flourish as free individuals every day.
