Café Europa newsletter: Canada’s love-in with the EU
Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Union leaders met in Montreal on Thursday and Friday to forge a deeper bilateral alliance. The two jurisdictions held talks to cooperate on areas spanning critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and trade to better withstand global economic shocks. Although initial member state objections led to a watered-down summit statement offering an ever-closer association instead of a formal associate membership draft, officials wrapped up the meetings with various agreements intended to provide mutual benefits across both continents.
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- ✓ Prime Minister Mark Carney and EU leaders met in Montreal on Thursday and Friday to unveil the next step in Canada-EU relations.
- ✓ The two sides held talks to deepen cooperation on areas spanning critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and trade.
- ✓ Initial member state objections led to a watered-down summit statement offering an ever-closer association instead of a formal associate membership draft.
What changed
Canada and the European Union concluded their summit in Montreal on Friday after months of speculation regarding the alliance.
Live updates
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Canada and EU Advance Closer Partnership Following Montreal Talks
Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Union leaders met in Montreal on Thursday and Friday to forge a deeper bilateral alliance. The two jurisdictions held talks to cooperate on areas spanning critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and trade to better withstand global economic shocks. Although initial member state objections led to a watered-down summit statement offering an ever-closer association instead of a formal associate membership draft, officials wrapped up the meetings with various agreements intended to provide mutual benefits across both continents.
Why it matters
Facing trade standoffs and growing economic tensions with the United States, Ottawa aims to reduce its reliance on its southern neighbor through international partnerships. German legal precision reportedly prompted the European Union to drop its initial associate member offer during the discussions.
What is confirmed
- Prime Minister Mark Carney and EU leaders met in Montreal on Thursday and Friday to unveil the next step in Canada-EU relations.
- The two sides held talks to deepen cooperation on areas spanning critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and trade.
- Initial member state objections led to a watered-down summit statement offering an ever-closer association instead of a formal associate membership draft.
Still unconfirmed
- Prime Minister Mark Carney laid out a timeline that would see Canada sign an agreement on a new partnership in the next seven months, if all goes well.
What to watch next
- Finalization of the various agreements wrapped up during the Montreal summit over the coming months and years.
- Potential progress on a formal partnership agreement within the seven-month timeline outlined by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.bnnbloomberg.ca — Canada welcomes EU leaders for talks on next steps in ...
- jen.jiji.com — Hamilton attacks Leclerc: "Lack of respect for those who work in the factory"
- jen.jiji.com — Versace (Nm): "Sport is a precious tool that can help improve the culture of respect"
- euobserver.com — ‘Associate’ or ‘ever-closer association’? Semantics aside ...
- theconversation.com — Eurovision 2027: Is Canada singing its way into the European ...
- www.euronews.com — Canada - Euronews
- www.france24.com — Canada and EU seek to 'withstand shocks together' through ...
- toronto.citynews.ca — ‘Associate’ EU membership for Canada not a ‘short-term ...
- jen.jiji.com — Refuses to put pineapple on pizza: Italian chef fired in Australia
- jen.jiji.com — France, 'strong mobilization' called by unions awaited
- finance.yahoo.com — The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide® Afternoon Tea Experiences List is Announced
- thegraduatepress.org — “Alliance for the Future”: Inside the New Canada-EU Partnership
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Canada and EU Pursue Deeper Ties at Montreal Summit
Prime Minister Mark Carney and EU President Ursula von der Leyen are meeting in Montreal on Thursday and Friday to unveil the next step in Canada-EU relations. Facing a trade standoff and growing economic tensions with the United States, Carney aims to reduce Canada's reliance on the U.S. through deeper international partnerships. While initial member state objections led to a watered-down summit statement offering an ever-closer association instead of a formal associate membership draft, Carney stated the two sides are working toward the deepest possible partnership short of accession.
Why it matters
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously raised the associate membership idea during her September State of the Union address, which Carney attended. However, member states including Germany, France, Italy, and Greece raised objections to draft declarations over fears of legal uncertainty and unwanted precedents. This diplomatic push reflects Canada's strategy to diversify economic alliances amid ongoing trade and political friction with the United States.
What is confirmed
- Prime Minister Mark Carney and EU President Ursula von der Leyen are meeting at a summit in Montreal on Thursday and Friday to unveil the next step in Canada-EU relations.
- Carney stated that the EU and Canada are working toward the deepest possible partnership short of accession.
- A watered-down statement issued at the end of the Montreal summit offers an ever-closer association.
Still unconfirmed
- Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will become the EU's first ever associate member.
What to watch next
- The official text and implementation details of the ever-closer association agreement coming out of the Montreal summit.
- Further statements from European member states regarding the legal and political scope of Canada's new partnership level.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.thestar.com — Five Things: The key topics at play as Canada and the EU ...
- www.ctvnews.ca — Topics at play as Canada and EU discuss deeper ties
- www.theguardian.com — EU backs away from offer to Canada to start ‘associate member ...
- jen.jiji.com — UK, Scottish police launch investigation into Epstein's visit to Balmoral with Andrew
- time.com — Carney Sets Target for E.U. 'Associate' Membership Amid U.S.-Canada Trade Standoff
- cultmtl.com — BREAKING: Canada to become EU’s first ‘associate member’
- nationalpost.com — Canada and EU launch ‘Alliance for the Future,’ seeking ...
- commission.europa.eu — EU-Canada relations - European Commission
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EU Capitals Push Back Against Canada Associate Membership
Germany, France, Italy, and Greece raised objections to a draft declaration mentioning the associate membership offer for Canada ahead of an upcoming summit in Montreal on Thursday and Friday. Member states fear the proposal creates legal uncertainty and sets a precedent for other nations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously floated the associate membership concept during her September State of the Union address, which Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended to strengthen bilateral ties amid growing trade and political tensions with the United States.
Why it matters
European Parliament point man Tobias Cremer has urged the bloc to move past warm words and build a meaningful partnership with Canada that extends beyond trade. Ottawa and Brussels are aiming to define their associate membership relationship by 2027, requiring a formal institutional framework to solidify closer cooperation. However, resistance from key European capitals highlights internal friction over how the EU handles integration frameworks with non-member countries.
What is confirmed
- Germany, Italy, France, and Greece objected to a draft EU-Canada declaration citing Ursula von der Leyen's associate membership offer.
- Member states fear legal uncertainty and a precedent for other third countries ahead of the Montreal summit on Thursday and Friday.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended Ursula von der Leyen's September State of the Union address in Strasbourg, France.
- Tobias Cremer serves as the European Parliament point man on Canada.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the EU-Canada summit in Montreal on Thursday and Friday
- Revisions to the contested draft EU-Canada declaration regarding associate membership
- Further statements from Germany, France, Italy, and Greece concerning the legal framework for third-country integration
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.euronews.com — Von der Leyen’s Canada ‘associate membership’ spurs battle of ...
- www.aol.co.uk — EU-Canada 'love story' needs more than warm words, senior MEP ...
- newswav.com — EU-Canada 'love story' needs more than warm words, senior MEP ...
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EU and Canada Target 2027 for Associate Membership Framework
Canada and the European Union are working to define an associate membership relationship by 2027. European Parliament point man on Canada Tobias Cremer stated that this prospective partnership requires an institutional framework to formalise closer ties. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously welcomed Canada as an associate member during her annual State of the Union address in September. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the address to reinforce bilateral relations as trade and political friction grows with the United States. Although European backing for climate and defense cooperation remains strong, turning Canada into an associate member presents several challenges.
Why it matters
Ottawa and Brussels are pursuing a deeper institutional bond as trans-Atlantic relations face mounting pressures. While defense and climate initiatives enjoy broad backing across Europe, formalizing a non-European nation inside the bloc's architecture requires complex structural adjustments. Both governments intend to resolve these design hurdles ahead of the 2027 target.
What is confirmed
- Canada and the European Union plan to define a closer associate membership relationship by 2027.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Canada as an associate member during her September State of the Union address.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the September speech to strengthen bilateral ties amid rising trade and political tensions with the United States.
Still unconfirmed
- The European Parliament's point man on Canada, Tobias Cremer, told Euronews that the planned associate membership should include an institutional framework formalising closer ties.
What to watch next
- Negotiations and formal proposals regarding the institutional framework for associate membership leading up to 2027.
- Developments in trade and political relations between Canada and the United States.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.westernstandard.news — Canada, EU to define closer ‘associate membership ...
- ca.style.yahoo.com — Forget Florida, Visit This East Coast Escape On Long Island With Beaches, Wine, And Local Eateries
- ca.news.yahoo.com — EU-Canada 'love story' needs more than warm words, senior MEP ...
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EU and Canada Target Associate Membership by 2027
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Canada as an associate member of the European Union during her annual State of the Union address in September. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the speech to strengthen bilateral ties amid rising trade and political tensions with the United States. While European support for cooperation on defense and climate change is nearly unanimous, transforming Canada into an associate member faces numerous obstacles. Both sides plan to flesh out the closer associate membership arrangement by 2027.
Why it matters
Canadian public backing for closer ties with the European Union is exceptionally high, driven by shifting international dynamics and trade frictions with the United States. A Nanos survey conducted from September 27 to 29, 2026, shows that 60 percent of Canadians want much closer ties and 23 percent want somewhat closer ties. This public enthusiasm prompts officials to explore institutional frameworks beyond traditional trade agreements, despite the structural challenges involved.
What is confirmed
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Canada as an associate member of the European Union in her annual State of the Union speech in September.
- Canadians overwhelmingly support closer ties with the European Union, with 60 percent wanting much closer ties and 23 percent wanting somewhat closer ties according to a Nanos survey.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the State of the EU speech to strengthen bilateral relations.
Still unconfirmed
- Making Canada an associate member of the European Union will face many obstacles.
What to watch next
- Formal negotiations or official proposals regarding Canada's associate membership status ahead of 2027
- Further bilateral announcements on defense and climate change cooperation
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.piie.com — Can the EU and Canada forge a new partnership? | PIIE
- financialpost.com — EU, Canada to flesh out closer associate membership by 2027 ...
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Canada and EU pursue closer ties amid global tensions
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is attending the State of the EU speech to strengthen bilateral relations as rising trade and political tensions emerge with the United States. Four in five Canadians support pursuing closer ties with the European Union, including partnerships extending beyond trade. According to a Nanos survey conducted from September 27 to 29, 2026, 60 percent of Canadians want much closer ties and 23 percent want somewhat closer ties. Approval for the arrangement is highest in British Columbia and lowest in the Prairies. As the international context becomes more challenging for the European Union, the bloc is looking to boost its ties with like-minded allies.
Why it matters
Ottawa is shifting its focus toward European partnerships as friction grows with the United States. The European Union views Canada as a key partner in its broader architecture to build alliances with like-minded nations during difficult international conditions. Public opinion inside Canada strongly backs this pivot.
What is confirmed
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is attending the State of the EU speech to strengthen bilateral relations as rising trade and political tensions emerge with the United States.
- According to a Nanos survey conducted from September 27 to 29, 2026, 60 percent of Canadians want much closer ties and 23 percent want somewhat closer ties with the European Union.
- Approval for closer ties with the European Union is highest in British Columbia and lowest in the Prairies.
- The European Union is looking to boost its ties with like-minded allies, including Canada, as the international context becomes more challenging.
What to watch next
- Developments regarding whether Canada will become the European Union's first associate member
- Further bilateral agreements stemming from Prime Minister Mark Carney's attendance at the State of the EU speech
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.france24.com — EU and Canada seek closer ties: Will Canada become the EU's ...
- roshninpo.substack.com — Canada’s European turn - Roshni
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Canadians Favor Closer EU Ties as Carney Attends Summit
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is attending the State of the EU speech to strengthen bilateral relations as rising trade and political tensions emerge with the United States. Four in five Canadians support pursuing closer ties with the European Union, including partnerships extending beyond trade. According to a Nanos survey conducted from September 27 to 29, 2026, 60 percent of Canadians want much closer ties and 23 percent want somewhat closer ties. Approval for the arrangement is highest in British Columbia and lowest in the Prairies.
Why it matters
Ottawa and Brussels are pursuing deeper partnerships to secure reliable trade allies amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. From the European perspective, Canada offers shared democratic values alongside natural resources such as oil, lumber, and critical rare earth minerals. Previous discussions involved generating €130 billion in annual trade.
What is confirmed
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is attending the State of the EU speech to strengthen ties with the European Union.
- Four in five Canadians support pursuing much closer or somewhat closer ties with the European Union.
- A Nanos survey of 1,057 Canadians aged 18 and older was conducted from September 27 to 29, 2026.
- Approval ratings for closer formal ties with the European Union were highest in British Columbia and lowest in the Prairies.
Still unconfirmed
- Canada offers oil, lumber, and crucial rare earth minerals to the European Union.
What to watch next
- Official announcements from Ottawa and Brussels regarding new partnership frameworks beyond trade
- Further polling or legislative debates regarding Canada-EU relations in regional Canadian provinces
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.castanet.net — Penticton News
- cde.news — Mark Carney to Strengthen Canada-EU Ties at State of the EU
- nanos.co — A European pivot: Canadians place the EU ahead of the United States in future trade priorities and support an associate member arrangement (The Globe and Mail/Nanos)
- www.yahoo.com — Canada in the EU? Here's What They Bring to the Table - Yahoo
- www.theglobeandmail.com — Majority of Canadians support closer formal ties with ...
- simple.wikipedia.org — Café - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- dictionary.cambridge.org — CAFÉ | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
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Brussels Explores Deeper Ties With Canada Amid US Friction
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are pursuing closer relations as both Ottawa and Brussels seek reliable trade partners. Officials are considering a partnership that extends beyond CETA and generates €130 billion in annual trade. While von der Leyen invited Canada during her State of the Union address to become an associate member, Brussels later denied the feasibility of actual EU membership because current EU treaties lack a formal associate member status.
Why it matters
U.S. President Donald Trump made comments regarding Canada becoming the 51st state, which spurred Canadian patriotism and accelerated Ottawa's search for alternative alliances. Prime Minister Mark Carney, the former head of the Bank of England with British and Irish citizenship, faces domestic criticism that aligning too closely with European bureaucracy could lead to financial ruin.
What is confirmed
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to become an associate member during her State of the Union address.
- Current EU treaties lack a formal associate member status.
- Canada and the European Union share €130 billion in annual trade.
Still unconfirmed
- Brussels has completely shut down Canada's dreams of joining the European Union after initially entertaining the idea.
- Mark Carney's push for closer ties with Europe will result in financial ruin for Canada.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the October EU-Canada summit.
- Official announcements regarding new cooperation formats outside of traditional CETA parameters.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.euronews.com — Can Canada be the EU's answer to 'unreliable' trade partners?
- www.newgeography.com — If Carney Brings Canada Closer to Europe, Financial Ruin ...
- cde.news — Brussels Entertains—Then Shuts Down—Canada’s EU Dreams
- www.eurowaves.eu — Eurowaves — The only European podcasting newsletter
- www.europesays.com — A reimagined defence partnership: Canada as an associate ...
- www.ctvnews.ca — Canada and European Union strengthen cultural and economic ties
- www.diplomacynews.com — European Union and Canada as associated member: a ...
- travel.yahoo.com — Why A 700-Pound Elk Named Smash Keeps Charging Trucks And Golf Carts In Estes Park
- www.youtube.com — Canada looks beyond America with plans for ‘unique alliance ...
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Canada and EU Explore Closer Ties Amid Global Shifts
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are pursuing closer relations, which includes a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union. While current EU treaties lack a formal associate member status, both Ottawa and Brussels are discussing new cooperation formats. This push comes against the backdrop of Donald Trump's administration and a changing global order. Expanding partnerships will cover critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space, financial services, digital trade, and water bombers.
Why it matters
The dialogue reflects shifting geopolitical dynamics as traditional allies seek alternative frameworks for strategic cooperation. Discussions are moving forward despite structural limitations in existing European Union treaties regarding associate membership. Both leadership teams aim to broaden bilateral collaboration across multiple high-tech and industrial sectors.
What is confirmed
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are pursuing closer ties.
- Current European Union treaties lack a formal associate member status.
What to watch next
- Formal proposals or treaty adjustments regarding Canada's associate membership status
- Official announcements on cooperation agreements covering critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and energy
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
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Canada and EU Explore New Associate Membership and Ties
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are pursuing closer ties, including a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union. While current EU treaties lack a formal associate member status, both Ottawa and Brussels are discussing new formats for cooperation against the backdrop of Donald Trump's administration and a changing global order. Expanding partnerships will cover critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space, financial services, digital trade, and water bombers.
Why it matters
Relations between Ottawa and Brussels date back to the 1950s and have expanded through the Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement. Both capitals are seeking to diversify their economic and security relations to gain leverage over Washington while the multilateral global order shifts. An upcoming meeting in Montreal is expected to provide more details on what associate membership could mean.
What is confirmed
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are backing a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mentioned the associate membership idea in her September address to the European Parliament.
- Canada and the European Union are preparing deals on minerals and water bombers in efforts to draw closer.
- The European Union is currently Canada's second-largest trading partner, with cooperation spanning trade, foreign policy, security, defence, energy, and science.
Still unconfirmed
- An upcoming meeting in Montreal may better explain what it could mean if Canada became an associate member of the EU.
- Canada will not join Europe anytime soon in a formal way, but both parties will double down on mutual commitments.
What to watch next
- An upcoming meeting in Montreal to explain the associate membership proposal
- Formalization of new agreements regarding minerals, water bombers, and digital trade
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.canadianaffairs.news — Canada, EU readying deals on minerals, water bombers in ...
- foreignpolicy.com — How Far Will the Canada-EU Lovefest Go? - Foreign Policy
- charter97.org — Canada And Europe Are Growing Closer, Much To Trump's Chagrin
- www.europesays.com — How Far Will the Canada-EU Lovefest Go? - Europe
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Canada Eyes Associate EU Membership
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are backing a proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union. This developing diplomatic alignment emerges as Canada deepens alternative international ties. Relations between Ottawa and Brussels date back to the 1950s and have expanded through the Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement. The European Union currently stands as Canada's second-largest trading partner, encompassing cooperation across trade, foreign policy, security, defence, energy, and science.
Why it matters
Canada and the European Union have historically maintained strong bilateral ties that grew substantially following agreements in the 2010s. This potential shift toward associate membership builds upon decades of growing institutional alignment in trade and security. Observers note that this European pivot follows the disruption of traditional relationships with the United States.
What is confirmed
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney embraced the prospect of his country becoming the European Union's first associate member.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raised the possibility of Canada obtaining associate membership in the European Union.
What to watch next
- Formal negotiations or institutional proposals regarding the structure of Canada's potential associate membership in the European Union.
- Further statements from Canadian and European officials detailing the specific rights and obligations of the proposed partnership.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.thestar.com — Opinion | Canada’s EU ambassador reveals what we really stand to gain from a partnership with Europe
- www.europesays.com — Carney embraces proposal for Canada to become European Union ...
- www.europesays.com — Von der Leyen raises Canada’s possible associate EU membership
- en.wikipedia.org — Canada–European Union relations - Wikipedia
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Canada Shifts Toward European Alliance Amid US Tensions
Canada is forging a new relationship with Europe as a Canadian minister suggests the United Kingdom should join a new European alliance. Mark Carney is leading efforts to build alternative ties, prompting discussions over a new partnership between the European Union and Canada. While an ambassador notes the arrangement might not constitute associate membership, the initiative highlights shifting international dynamics following the disruption of traditional ties with the United States under Donald Trump. Observers debate the potential benefits and limitations of this European alternative.
Why it matters
Traditional Canadian foreign policy has long relied on close integration with the United States. Recent political shifts under Donald Trump have strained that historic relationship and forced Ottawa to seek alternative international alignments. European capitals are currently weighing closer diplomatic and economic cooperation with Canada.
What is confirmed
- Mark Carney is building a new relationship in Europe as Canada's ties with the United States face strain.
- A Canadian minister stated that the United Kingdom should team up with Canada in a new Europe alliance.
- The European Union and Canada are set to unveil a new partnership.
- An ambassador stated the upcoming arrangement may not be an associate membership.
Still unconfirmed
- Mark Carney's diplomatic push represents an EU fever dream or an alliance that successfully sidelines the United States.
- The new European alternative can fully replace the traditional superpower relationship with better manners.
What to watch next
- The official unveiling of the new partnership between the European Union and Canada.
- Formal response from the United Kingdom regarding the proposed alliance with Canada.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- The Economist — Café Europa newsletter: Canada’s love-in with the EU
- AP News — Trump shattered Canada’s old US relationship. Carney is building a new one in Europe
- The Free Press — This Week in Canada: Mark Carney’s EU Fever Dream
- bbc.com — UK should 'team up' with Canada in new Europe alliance, Canadian minister says
- Financial Times — Sorry Carney, the world does need a great power with better manners
- politico.eu — EU and Canada to unveil new partnership, but it may not be ‘associate membership,’ says ambassador
- Reuters — Breakingviews - COMMENTARY: Mark Carney shows way to build better world order
- The Globe and Mail — Opinion: The upside of a European alternative to Trumpmerica, and the limits
- Financial Times — Mark Carney and the limits of defying Donald Trump
- The Guardian — Mark Carney is making an eloquent case for an alliance sidelining the US | Ted Widmer
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