Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron have announced a new bilateral intelligence and security partnership, reinforcing their commitment to cybersecurity, intelligence-sharing, and economic security amid rising global tensions.
The agreement, unveiled during Carney’s first official visit to Europe as prime minister, will focus on countering violent extremism, espionage, foreign interference, and security threats posed by emerging technologies.
During their private meeting at the Palais de l’Élysée, Carney and Macron emphasized the deep strategic partnership between Canada and France, built on shared values of sovereignty, solidarity, and sustainability.
“France and Canada have been reliable partners for centuries, and today, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine, fair trade, and global security,” Carney stated in Paris.
Macron echoed the sentiment, calling Canada a “unique friend” with a shared vision for democracy, innovation, and environmental protection.
- Cybersecurity & Intelligence Sharing: Strengthening defenses against cyber threats and coordinating intelligence on global security risks.
- Economic Security & Trade: Expanding partnerships in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and clean energy, while defending rules-based trade.
- Global Stability & Defense: Reinforcing support for Ukraine and countering threats to democratic institutions.
Carney’s European visit comes at a pivotal moment for global security, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s increasing ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin have raised concerns among allies. The new Canada-France alliance signals a clear shift in Canada’s foreign policy focus toward Europe.
Carney’s decision to prioritize France and the U.K. over Washington underscores Canada’s efforts to diversify trade partnerships amid U.S. trade uncertainty.
- CETA Trade Deal: France has yet to ratify Canada’s free trade agreement (CETA) with the EU, making this meeting a key opportunity for progress.
- U.K. Free Trade Talks: Discussions on a post-Brexit trade deal between Canada and the U.K. remain stalled. Carney’s meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer later in the day will address next steps.
Carney’s diplomatic outreach also includes recent talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Canada-EU trade and defense, as well as an invitation extended to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada.
Despite the urgency of ongoing trade disputes with the U.S., Carney has not yet spoken with President Trump since taking office. A conversation between the two leaders is not expected until Carney returns to Ottawa.