Canada says it can broker a bridge between EU and CPTPP trade talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada can help 'broker a bridge' between the European Union and members of the CPTPP as leaders explore a possible new trade bloc, comments made after a Politico report that Canada is leading related talks; the remarks come amid global concern over U.S. tariffs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada can play a role in efforts to explore a trading bloc involving the European Union and members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). He made the remarks in response to a Politico report that described Canada as spearheading talks to form a new bloc aimed at sidestepping U.S. tariffs. Carney noted recent conversations with leaders from Australia, New Zealand and EU officials, and has spoken more broadly about middle powers working together in global trade settings. Key details: - Carney said Canada is "in a somewhat unique position" because it is part of both the EU discussions and the CPTPP, and that it can "help broker a bridge between the two." - The comments followed a Politico report that was reported as saying Canada is leading preliminary talks on a new trade grouping. - Carney mentioned early conversations with the prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand and referenced talks with EU presidents and other prospective CPTPP members. - The remarks come after Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum on middle powers and a shifting global order in trade. - The context includes continued international reaction to U.S. tariffs and a recent Truth Social post by former U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing Canada after a U.S. House vote related to tariffs. Summary: Carney presented Canada as positioned to connect like-minded countries weighing new trade arrangements, framing the effort as part of broader conversations among middle powers. Undetermined at this time.