European Parliament Pushes for Stronger EU-Canada Ties and Sets Conditions on EU-US Trade Deal

The European Parliament has called for stronger relations between the European Union and Canada, emphasising cooperation in security, trade, and multilateral coordination. In a resolution approved by a strong majority, MEPs urged full implementation of EU-Canada partnerships in security and defence, highlighting the importance of closer ties amid global tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. Several parliamentarians also stressed the EU’s ambition to forge alliances with like-minded partners on the international stage, reflecting concerns over unilateral actions by the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.

The resolution also underscored the need to strengthen trade links, particularly through full ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). MEPs encouraged member states that have yet to approve the agreement to do so ahead of its tenth anniversary in 2027.

Malta was among the first countries to ratify the deal.

Since CETA’s implementation, tariffs on 98% of goods traded between the EU and Canada have been eliminated, contributing to a 77% increase in trade from 2016 to 2025. By 2024, bilateral trade exceeded €63 billion, with niche sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical and technical equipment, and aerospace products showing notable growth.

Cultural and social ties between the EU and Canada were also highlighted. Malta, for instance, maintains a vibrant diaspora in Canada, with over 40,000 people of Maltese origin living there, predominantly in Toronto, according to the 2021 Canadian census. Speaking in response to the resolution, German Socialist MEP Tobias Cremer described Canada as “likely the most European country outside Europe” and stressed the importance of strategic EU-Canada cooperation on shared challenges such as Ukraine, climate change, and Arctic security.

Meanwhile, the Parliament also moved forward on the EU-US Turnberry trade deal, adopting its position on tariff proposals aimed at providing preferential market access for U.S. industrial goods, seafood, and agricultural products. Members approved measures to safeguard EU interests, introducing a strengthened suspension clause allowing tariffs to be suspended if the U.S. imposes additional duties beyond the agreed 15% ceiling, discriminates against EU operators, or threatens EU foreign, defence, or economic policy objectives.

MEPs also introduced a “sunrise clause,” ensuring that tariff reductions would only take effect if the U.S. respects its commitments, including lowering tariffs on steel and aluminium to a maximum of 15%. In addition, a “sunset clause” sets the expiry of the main regulation to 31 March 2028, with any extension subject to a new legislative proposal following a detailed impact assessment.

These moves signal a dual focus by the European Parliament on deepening strategic partnerships while protecting EU trade interests. As global tensions and economic pressures continue to rise, EU policymakers are seeking to balance international cooperation with safeguards to ensure fair and sustainable trade outcomes.