Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will travel to Paris and Brussels next week to attend a global AI summit and meet with European leaders, as both Canada and the EU grapple with escalating U.S. trade threats under President Donald Trump.
AI, Security, and Trade on the Agenda
Trudeau’s five-day trip, beginning Saturday, will focus on artificial intelligence, security, and economic strategy in response to Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.
- In Paris, Trudeau will deliver a keynote address at the AI Action Summit, where world leaders will discuss advancing AI innovation responsibly.
- In Brussels, he will meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to the alliance and discuss defense spending and security challenges.
- He will also meet EU officials to coordinate a unified response to Trump’s looming trade tariffs on European goods.
Trump’s Tariff Threats Cast a Shadow
Trump’s Feb. 1 executive order imposed 10% tariffs on Canadian energy and 25% on all other imports, with similar measures expected against Europe. While Canada and Mexico secured a 30-day reprieve through border security commitments, Europe is now bracing for economic retaliation from Washington.
Canada and Europe Weigh Retaliation
The European Commission has warned it will fight back if tariffs materialize. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed to defend the EU’s economic and national security, while European trade ministers met in Poland this week to craft a response.
Canada, meanwhile, had planned retaliatory tariffs and provincial bans on U.S. alcohol imports, but those measures are currently on hold pending negotiations.
Trudeau’s Balancing Act
Trudeau’s trip underscores Canada’s urgent push for stronger global alliances as Trump’s policies threaten North American and European economies. With a March 4 tariff deadline approaching, Canada and the EU face critical decisions on whether to escalate trade disputes or seek diplomatic resolutions.
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