EU: Parliament calls for strengthening relations with Canada to confront Russia and China

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/7710104

The European Parliament approved, with 482 votes in favor, 108 against, and 42 abstentions, the recommendation to the European Council, the European Commission, and High Representative Kaja Kallas regarding enhanced EU-Canada cooperation in the current geopolitical context, which also includes threats to Canada's economic stability and sovereignty.

The report, authored by German MEP Tobias Cremer, highlights the benefits of strengthening relations with Ottawa, which he described as "arguably the most European country outside Europe." Strengthening relations with Canada means cooperating to "address security threats such as Russia's war against Ukraine, hybrid attacks, terrorism, foreign interference, and China's assertiveness and economic coercion."

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Engaging with Ottawa would also allow for "coordinated sanctions and diplomatic efforts to further isolate Russia" and "jointly promote relations with the United States." Strasbourg also emphasized the need to "fully implement the partnership for security and defense," complementing NATO's efforts with the SAFE program and the ReArm Europe plan. Finally, the approved text emphasizes the need to promote the benefits of CETA and calls on the 10 member states that have not yet ratified it, including Italy, to do so promptly.