European leaders on Tuesday warmly congratulated Mark Carney on his election as Canada’s new prime minister, hailing the result as a boost for transatlantic relations in the turbulent age of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Congratulations to Mark Carney and the Liberal Party on their election victory. The bond between Europe and Canada is strong — and growing stronger,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
“I look forward to working closely together, both bilaterally and within the G7. We’ll defend our shared democratic values, promote multilateralism, and champion free and fair trade,” she added.
“The EU and Canada have a long and close partnership. We are allies and strong trade partners. We share the same values, and attachment to the UN Charter and the rules-based international order. We will continue working closely together, including in the G7 format,” said European Council President António Costa.
Carney, who previously headed up two G7 central banks and worked for more than a decade at Goldman Sachs, was elected Canada’s prime minister Monday night, after running on his economic record — and standing up to the belligerent Trump. Carney defeated the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre, though it is still unclear whether he will run a majority or minority government.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof echoed von der Leyen and Costa’s sentiments. “Canada and the Netherlands share historic ties and common values, and work together in many fields like trade and economics, security and defence,” he said.
“I look forward to continuing the close cooperation between our countries and to welcoming him to the NATO Summit in The Hague on 24 and 25 June,” Schoof added.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden also congratulated Carney, praising his leadership qualities. “I’m confident Mark will be a strong leader for the fundamental values and interests Canadians and Americans share,” Biden said.
Carney’s campaign focused on “Trump-proofing” Canada and uniting a country that he said has witnessed a surge in patriotic sentiment in response to Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.
Following his narrow electoral win, Carney continued to strike a defiant tone against the U.S. president. “America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. But these are not idle threats,” he said.
“President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us. That will never happen,” he added.
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