Canada’s Prime Minister Carney stood up to Donald Trump in Davos. Europeans should take this as an example. It’s high time that the EU and Canada move closer together.
A commentary by Martin Ganslmeier, ARD New York
By now it should be clear to everyone that the strategy of flattering Donald Trump has thoroughly failed. Last year there were many embarrassing inaugural visits by heads of state and government to the White House. Some brought golden gifts. Some practically crawled under the door crack to avoid angering him at all costs.
One of the few who came walking upright and refused to bend was Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Canada has faced similar attacks on its national sovereignty for more than a year, just like Greenland and Denmark recently. Nevertheless, Carney never let himself be intimidated. Right at his inaugural visit, Carney rejected Trump’s annexation desires. The former real estate developer was told by Carney, referring to the White House: “Some places are simply not for sale.” The owners of Canada had let him know that Canada is also not for sale. And never will be.
# There Is No Better Ally
Canada’s Prime Minister also gave a courageous – some even say historic – speech in Davos. Carney advocated for Canada and other medium-sized states to forge a closer alliance. This was also a call to Europeans: Let’s move closer together! There is no better neighbor and ally than Canada. The country is as rich in natural resources as Russia. But unlike Russia, Canadians share European values.
Canada has always stood reliably at the side of the USA – in two world wars, as well as after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. But for a year now, Canada has felt pretty much left alone. Many Canadians were disappointed that the EU gave in so quickly in the trade conflict with Trump.
# It Needs More Oomph
The EU should urgently deepen its cooperation with Canada. Especially since Canada has a shared history with Europe and a common border with the EU. Yes, there is the Canadian-European Free Trade Agreement CETA. But it still hasn’t been ratified by all EU member states. Yes, there is increased cooperation on defense and armaments. But is that the communicative punch that would be necessary in these times?
Why not offer Canada an association agreement with the EU, like the one that exists with Nordic neighbors Norway and Iceland? Or why not even offer Canada EU membership? That’s completely unrealistic, people keep saying. Why, actually? In times when Trump is creating a peace council to be led by him for life, the EU should also show more courage for symbolic steps. That’s the only language Trump understands. And that’s the only way US citizens will realize that not everyone abroad thinks their president’s policies are great.
RepulseRevolt on
I’m Canadian, we need this, now more than ever
Lithium_Lily on
Yeah, and we should name it for the ocean that is in between us. Since Canada is up north we should consider it in the name.
How about North Atlantic Tactical Organization
blue_alpaca_97 on
plus Australia and New Zealand for that matter
Elegant_Spring2223 on
Prvo jačanje zaostalih nacionalnih vojsci, nabavka oružja bez fige u džepu, pa onda formiranje saveznih vojsci, no NATO je za sada dovoljan većini.
Moist-Nectarine-1148 on
Why not Canada join EU ?
lamin-ceesay on
Isn’t Canada in NATO?
jufywret on
Honestly? It already feels halfway there shared values, trade, security. Formalizing it might just be admitting what’s quietly been true for years.
Tyxzs on
I would support them to join the EU. Maybe at the same time as Greenland, as they share a border.
mariuszmie on
Alliance, yes.
portageandmain on
I’m hoping this is something that’s actually on the table for Carney & Europe.
itmeMEEPMEEP on
Might as well join the EU at this point… only non European country in the EU SAFE (uk got rejected as well). Has a border with France, land border with kingdom of Denmark and there’s already an EU state in Asia anyway
SignalOptions on
Besides you can almost walk 1/2 the way.
TopInvestigator5518 on
Canada doesn’t need to join the EU but a stronger trade alliance would be nice
Canada has suffered repeated attacks by the US over and over again all year with virtually no public support from the EU
I get it’s difficult times navigating the shit storm that is Trump but it never hurts to feel like you have support from countries with shared values
urlond on
Dont they already have an Alliance?
Rich_Season_2593 on
We ARE aligned with like minded countries.
Why would we jump from 1 problem to another?
We are part of NATO- Let us stand on our own 2 feet without being tied to more rules, regulations and bureaucracy .
polmix23 on
Putin smiles when he sees articles like this. He wants the NATO to fracture. That is his strategy.
icecube1965 on
Do we need to extend CETA ?
steph95E50 on
The Merconor?
MedonSirius on
They should name the union “T-BUS” (The best united states)
x27MilesForWhat on
Hmm, both are pretty north in the atlenatic…maybe call it North Atlantic Treaty? Maybe make an organisation out of it.
UNSKIALz on
The US Treasury Secretary just endorsed Albertan separatism from Canada. Meanwhile, we already know the US is sponsoring EU separatism as per their “defence” strategy document.
America, unfortunately, is now an openly hostile state seeking to do great harm to the free world. Our choices our band together, or die.
advator on
NATO without Israël, Hungary and US. We could maybe add some other and call it the peace army and peace trading
Sweaty-Adeptness1541 on
There is already an alliance. Alliances don’t need titles nor signatures. Real alliances persist even without treaties.
LydonFeen on
Absolutely!
Canucks over Cunts anytime, anywhere.
Hungry-Geologist911 on
does Canada have oil and gas to sell to EU ?
BIGepidural on
Yes we should
SignificantCar4068 on
We just need to r/BoycottUnitedStates as much as possible! Shop small non MAGA independents when you need necessities. Together we can stop funding MAGA
-Vermilion- on
Didn’t read article but to title: Yes, yes they should, and now, not in a year or in many years, now.
HueyBluey on
An alliance with the Pan-pacific region is important too.
Agitated_Holiday_369 on
It’s amazing how Trump can unite people!
Marcipans on
Yes, we need this.
OrionJustice on
no one needs Trudeau communism in EU. We have a lot of that already here. Canada is better next to Trump and that’s the most wonderful fact along with their Greenland. 🙂
whoisnotinmykitchen on
Absolutely. We have far more in common with Europe than we do with the fascist mess south of our border.
Ok-Chapter-2071 on
With freedom of movement pretty please?
Feuertotem on
Of course, on the other hand it’s the EU.
We can’t even agree exporting more wares to countries that actually want them is good in an economic crisis. Would probably take until 2055.
Capable_Macaroon_458 on
Canada eu Australia, Japan Korea Singapore New Zealand Switzerland and Norway
RipCity77 on
Can you please let Oregon Washington and California join ?
One-Dare3022 on
We sure need to form a strong alliance between EU and Canada. Not only business but also stronger defense. This will also be needed with other democratic nations around the world.
Hearing Carney’s speech from Davos gave hope for the future of democracy around the world.
ArcticCelt on
EU + Canada + UK + Australia + Japan + South Korea should create a “trade NATO” where an economic attack on one is an attack on all and economic sanctions are applied on the belligerent bully.
kvasibarn on
Lead by example. Not coercion.
lukkoseppa on
An alliance of what? Terrible economies? Migrant havens? Poor unemployed citizens? Incompetent governments?
Inevitable-Cold-7657 on
Just rename it European Values Union, then countries from all continents can join as long as they share the core values. If Orban stays in power in Hungary after their elections, they should leave the Union.
Ok-Elk-1615 on
Look, as a firm anti Americanist, I’m gonna be real with you: Canada is dead weight. It’s got a massive demilitarized border, one of the worst prepared militaries in NATO, and economically dependent on America. It’s the soft underbelly of a hypothetical EU alliance
Lucy_Goosey_11 on
Unified Middle powers can accomplish a lot together
scheizreddit on
Canada could get a seat and a vote in the world’s largest market, as an equal among equals. Yes, it might be annoying that everyone has veto power. But ultimately, no one could say, “I didn’t vote for that,” because the representative you elected voted for it.
This fact is lost on British voters, especially English voters…
BenNitzevet on
Exactly what is happening now.
maddasher on
Just let Canada into the EU. It makes a lot of sense to pick up such a large member, even if it doesn’t make sense on paper.
Freedom_for_Fiume on
EU should probably had a semblance of common foreign policy and army to be called “ALLIANCE” with Canada
49 commenti
translated from original German:
# Commentary
# After Carney’s Appearance: Elbows Out!
Date: January 24, 2026, 9:22 AM
Canada’s Prime Minister Carney stood up to Donald Trump in Davos. Europeans should take this as an example. It’s high time that the EU and Canada move closer together.
A commentary by Martin Ganslmeier, ARD New York
By now it should be clear to everyone that the strategy of flattering Donald Trump has thoroughly failed. Last year there were many embarrassing inaugural visits by heads of state and government to the White House. Some brought golden gifts. Some practically crawled under the door crack to avoid angering him at all costs.
One of the few who came walking upright and refused to bend was Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Canada has faced similar attacks on its national sovereignty for more than a year, just like Greenland and Denmark recently. Nevertheless, Carney never let himself be intimidated. Right at his inaugural visit, Carney rejected Trump’s annexation desires. The former real estate developer was told by Carney, referring to the White House: “Some places are simply not for sale.” The owners of Canada had let him know that Canada is also not for sale. And never will be.
# There Is No Better Ally
Canada’s Prime Minister also gave a courageous – some even say historic – speech in Davos. Carney advocated for Canada and other medium-sized states to forge a closer alliance. This was also a call to Europeans: Let’s move closer together! There is no better neighbor and ally than Canada. The country is as rich in natural resources as Russia. But unlike Russia, Canadians share European values.
Canada has always stood reliably at the side of the USA – in two world wars, as well as after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. But for a year now, Canada has felt pretty much left alone. Many Canadians were disappointed that the EU gave in so quickly in the trade conflict with Trump.
# It Needs More Oomph
The EU should urgently deepen its cooperation with Canada. Especially since Canada has a shared history with Europe and a common border with the EU. Yes, there is the Canadian-European Free Trade Agreement CETA. But it still hasn’t been ratified by all EU member states. Yes, there is increased cooperation on defense and armaments. But is that the communicative punch that would be necessary in these times?
Why not offer Canada an association agreement with the EU, like the one that exists with Nordic neighbors Norway and Iceland? Or why not even offer Canada EU membership? That’s completely unrealistic, people keep saying. Why, actually? In times when Trump is creating a peace council to be led by him for life, the EU should also show more courage for symbolic steps. That’s the only language Trump understands. And that’s the only way US citizens will realize that not everyone abroad thinks their president’s policies are great.
I’m Canadian, we need this, now more than ever
Yeah, and we should name it for the ocean that is in between us. Since Canada is up north we should consider it in the name.
How about North Atlantic Tactical Organization
plus Australia and New Zealand for that matter
Prvo jačanje zaostalih nacionalnih vojsci, nabavka oružja bez fige u džepu, pa onda formiranje saveznih vojsci, no NATO je za sada dovoljan većini.
Why not Canada join EU ?
Isn’t Canada in NATO?
Honestly? It already feels halfway there shared values, trade, security. Formalizing it might just be admitting what’s quietly been true for years.
I would support them to join the EU. Maybe at the same time as Greenland, as they share a border.
Alliance, yes.
I’m hoping this is something that’s actually on the table for Carney & Europe.
Might as well join the EU at this point… only non European country in the EU SAFE (uk got rejected as well). Has a border with France, land border with kingdom of Denmark and there’s already an EU state in Asia anyway
Besides you can almost walk 1/2 the way.
Canada doesn’t need to join the EU but a stronger trade alliance would be nice
Canada has suffered repeated attacks by the US over and over again all year with virtually no public support from the EU
I get it’s difficult times navigating the shit storm that is Trump but it never hurts to feel like you have support from countries with shared values
Dont they already have an Alliance?
We ARE aligned with like minded countries.
Why would we jump from 1 problem to another?
We are part of NATO- Let us stand on our own 2 feet without being tied to more rules, regulations and bureaucracy .
Putin smiles when he sees articles like this. He wants the NATO to fracture. That is his strategy.
Do we need to extend CETA ?
The Merconor?
They should name the union “T-BUS” (The best united states)
Hmm, both are pretty north in the atlenatic…maybe call it North Atlantic Treaty? Maybe make an organisation out of it.
The US Treasury Secretary just endorsed Albertan separatism from Canada. Meanwhile, we already know the US is sponsoring EU separatism as per their “defence” strategy document.
America, unfortunately, is now an openly hostile state seeking to do great harm to the free world. Our choices our band together, or die.
NATO without Israël, Hungary and US. We could maybe add some other and call it the peace army and peace trading
There is already an alliance. Alliances don’t need titles nor signatures. Real alliances persist even without treaties.
Absolutely!
Canucks over Cunts anytime, anywhere.
does Canada have oil and gas to sell to EU ?
Yes we should
We just need to r/BoycottUnitedStates as much as possible! Shop small non MAGA independents when you need necessities. Together we can stop funding MAGA
Didn’t read article but to title: Yes, yes they should, and now, not in a year or in many years, now.
An alliance with the Pan-pacific region is important too.
It’s amazing how Trump can unite people!
Yes, we need this.
no one needs Trudeau communism in EU. We have a lot of that already here. Canada is better next to Trump and that’s the most wonderful fact along with their Greenland. 🙂
Absolutely. We have far more in common with Europe than we do with the fascist mess south of our border.
With freedom of movement pretty please?
Of course, on the other hand it’s the EU.
We can’t even agree exporting more wares to countries that actually want them is good in an economic crisis. Would probably take until 2055.
Canada eu Australia, Japan Korea Singapore New Zealand Switzerland and Norway
Can you please let Oregon Washington and California join ?
We sure need to form a strong alliance between EU and Canada. Not only business but also stronger defense. This will also be needed with other democratic nations around the world.
Hearing Carney’s speech from Davos gave hope for the future of democracy around the world.
EU + Canada + UK + Australia + Japan + South Korea should create a “trade NATO” where an economic attack on one is an attack on all and economic sanctions are applied on the belligerent bully.
Lead by example. Not coercion.
An alliance of what? Terrible economies? Migrant havens? Poor unemployed citizens? Incompetent governments?
Just rename it European Values Union, then countries from all continents can join as long as they share the core values. If Orban stays in power in Hungary after their elections, they should leave the Union.
Look, as a firm anti Americanist, I’m gonna be real with you: Canada is dead weight. It’s got a massive demilitarized border, one of the worst prepared militaries in NATO, and economically dependent on America. It’s the soft underbelly of a hypothetical EU alliance
Unified Middle powers can accomplish a lot together
Canada could get a seat and a vote in the world’s largest market, as an equal among equals. Yes, it might be annoying that everyone has veto power. But ultimately, no one could say, “I didn’t vote for that,” because the representative you elected voted for it.
This fact is lost on British voters, especially English voters…
Exactly what is happening now.
Just let Canada into the EU. It makes a lot of sense to pick up such a large member, even if it doesn’t make sense on paper.
EU should probably had a semblance of common foreign policy and army to be called “ALLIANCE” with Canada