European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed the strong friendship and close ties between the European Union and Canada during their meeting today. The meeting took place following the Canadian Prime Minister’s attendance at the State of the Union (SOTEU) debate and one day ahead of his address to the European Parliament’s plenary session.
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What Metsola and Carney emphasized
The two leaders underscored that EU-Canada relations are grounded in shared values and mutual interests, and discussed areas where there is room for even closer cooperation. These include critical raw materials, energy security, artificial intelligence, space, secure communications, and defense.
Special attention was also given to the Arctic and the broader High North, with both leaders agreeing that strengthening joint action in these regions can contribute to their shared security. The meeting also addressed the strengthening of people-to-people contacts, with emphasis on student exchanges, mobility, and research. Metsola and Carney further recognized the importance of robust ties between the European and Canadian Parliaments, and welcomed the opening of a European Parliament office in Ottawa, embedded within the EU Delegation.
The EU-Canada Summit in the spotlight
Both sides expressed their anticipation for the upcoming EU-Canada Summit in October, which is expected to provide an opportunity for further progress toward Canada becoming the EU’s first associated member. As was noted, the goal is for this closer partnership to deliver tangible benefits on both sides of the Atlantic, building on the positive attitude that European and Canadian societies hold toward their mutual relationship.
The historic helmet “returning” to Canada
A moment of particular symbolic significance was the gift presented by Roberta Metsola to Mark Carney: a Canadian MK II steel helmet from 1940, used by Canadian armed forces during World War II. The helmet was discovered in May 2025 in France, outside Caen, near Saint-Sylvain — an area where battles were fought as part of Operation Totalize during the Battle of Normandy, from August 7 to 10, 1944.
Canadian forces played a central role in the operation, with approximately 600 to 700 Canadian soldiers losing their lives. The operation marked a significant step on the road to the liberation of Europe.
According to the office of the European Parliament President, the gift serves as a symbol of European gratitude and remembrance for the Canadians who fought and died for the liberation of Europe, as well as a testament to the enduring friendship between Canada and Europe.
