Canada and EU urged to strengthen ties ahead of G7 summit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that the “rules-based” global order is facing a significant challenge amid rising superpower dominance. Speaking at a public lecture event in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, Carney emphasized the need for middle powers to unite and assert their collective strength.

Carney described the world as being at a critical juncture, where multilateral institutions are weakening and economic integration is being used as a tool of coercion. He noted that the international trading system, which has been relied upon by Canada and other countries for decades, is under threat.

The Canadian Prime Minister did not specify any particular countries that are violating the global order or point fingers at specific international counterparts. However, his remarks come amid heightened tensions between Canada and its southern neighbor, the United States.

Carney’s comments have resonated with some G7 members, particularly in the European Union, which is seeking to reduce its dependence on the US. He emphasized the importance of unity as a response to the “go-it-alone” mentality adopted by some superpowers.

The Canadian Prime Minister has been advocating for a shift towards a more collaborative approach among middle powers, citing their combined economic and military strength. In his remarks, he compared the Canada-EU alliance to that of the world’s largest economies, highlighting its potential as a force for good.

Carney’s speech was similar in tone to one he delivered earlier this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he introduced his concept of “middle powers” and called for a new order among intermediate powers. The Canadian Prime Minister’s comments have sparked a response from US President Donald Trump, who has criticized Carney’s approach as lacking deference to the US.

The upcoming G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, is expected to bring together leaders from Canada, the US, and other countries to discuss global issues.

Source: Al Jazeera