Carney to attend European Political Community Summit in Armenia
European Political Community Summit marks first participation by a Canadian Prime Minister
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Yerevan, Armenia, from May 2 to May 4 to participate in the European Political Community Summit, marking the first time a Canadian prime minister has taken part in the gathering.
The visit also represents the first official trip to Armenia by a Canadian prime minister in nearly a decade and the first time a non-European leader has been invited to join the summit.
Strengthening transatlantic partnerships
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney’s participation will focus on reinforcing cooperation with European partners on defence, economic security, and global stability.
Leaders attending the summit are expected to discuss key priorities including:
- Support for Ukraine
- Strengthening democratic institutions
- Energy and economic security
- Emerging technologies and innovation
The summit, hosted under the theme “Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe,” brings together leaders from across the continent to address shared geopolitical challenges.
Positioning Canada for global investment
Carney is also expected to use the European Political Community Summit to position Canada as a leading destination for global investment.
The federal government has identified several strategic sectors for growth, including:
- Critical minerals
- Clean and conventional energy
- Defence industries
- Advanced technologies and artificial intelligence
Officials say these efforts are part of a broader plan to attract up to $1 trillion in investment over the next five years.
Expanding Canada-Europe relations
Canada’s participation reflects growing ties with Europe in recent years.
The federal government has:
- Launched the EU-Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future
- Signed a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union
- Joined the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative
These agreements are aimed at deepening cooperation across trade, security, and technology, while improving access for Canadian industries to European markets.
The European Union remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $178.6 billion in 2025.
Canada’s role in a shifting global landscape
The Prime Minister’s Office says the trip underscores Canada’s strategy to diversify international partnerships amid rising global uncertainty.
Carney emphasized the importance of collaboration with European allies to address shared challenges and strengthen economic and security ties across the Atlantic.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office (pm.gc.ca)
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