Key facts
- EU and Canada aim to upgrade their relationship while Trump is occupied by midterms.
- The summit is scheduled for Thursday in Montreal.
- Marine Le Pen's National Rally is polling ahead in France and has criticized the EU-Canada trade pact, CETA.
- Canada wants structural changes in its relationship with the EU that will outlast Trump and Le Pen.
The European Union and Canada are seeking to deepen their partnership during a period of perceived U.S. political distraction and before potential shifts in Europe's political landscape. Leaders aim to secure structural changes that will endure beyond the Trump presidency and the rise of far-right movements.
EU and Canadian officials are preparing for a summit in Montreal this week, aiming for the broadest possible upgrade in their relationship. They hope that U.S. President Donald Trump will be too preoccupied with the upcoming midterm elections to retaliate against closer ties. Trump has previously criticized the EU's offer of associate membership for Canada and threatened tariffs.
Canadian officials are also motivated by the upcoming European electoral calendar, particularly the prospect of Marine Le Pen's party gaining influence in France. They want to secure concrete gains before elections across the bloc potentially alter priorities and the political balance. The summit is seen as a critical opportunity to establish structural changes that will outlast current political figures.