The recent meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House highlighted the fragility of U.S. support for Ukraine. It revealed a profound transformation in international power dynamics. The demand for gratitude as a condition for political support reflects the end of unconditional alliances, marking the beginning of a new era in international relations based on transactional agreements and symbolic submission.
This episode is more than a diplomatic anecdote for Canada; it serves as a warning. If even a country fighting for its survival must plead for support from Washington, what can Canada expect in a world where the United States is redefining its strategic commitments? With growing uncertainty surrounding American foreign policy, Canada must reassess its position in the global order and strengthen its ties with Europe. The European Union, prioritising strategic autonomy and partnerships based on shared values, represents a viable and essential alternative for Canada’s political, economic, and security stability.
Canada must intensify its integration with the European Union in light of the symbolism of the Trump-Zelensky meeting and the collapse of traditional security guarantees. The implications of this shift in U.S. diplomacy, Europe’s approach to strategic autonomy, and the concrete benefits of a closer relationship with the EU for Canada are critically significant.
The End of Unconditional Alliances: Insights from the Trump-Zelensky Meeting
Trump’s dismissal of Zelensky marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy. Instead of reaffirming the U.S. commitment to European security, the meeting revealed an uncomfortable reality: Washington no longer guarantees its unconditional support. This shift threatens all U.S. allies, including Canada and European countries that have relied on the U.S. security umbrella for decades.
The symbolic attack on Zelensky was a personal rebuke and a strategy to weaken his negotiating position, conditioning assistance to Ukraine on a display of submission. This episode illustrates a broader trend in U.S. foreign policy: Support for allies is increasingly grounded not in shared principles but in political expediency and a transactional view of international relations.
Canada should view this situation as a dangerous precedent. If Ukraine, a country at war with an aggressive power, can be treated with disdain, there is no guarantee that Canada will not encounter a similar situation in the future. Trump’s increasing hostility toward Canada, expressed through threats of tariffs and disparaging remarks about Canadian sovereignty, signals clearly that Ottawa can no longer depend on the stability of its relationship with Washington.
In this context, Canada must explore an alternative approach to safeguarding its national interests that does not rely entirely on Washington’s fluctuating political landscape. A viable path forward involves strengthening its ties with the European Union, which is striving for strategic autonomy while sustaining strong economic and security relationships with the U.S.
Europe as a Model for Strategic Autonomy
Unlike Canada, Europe has understood the necessity of reducing its dependence on the U.S. and strengthening its strategic autonomy. The EU has adopted a proactive approach to security, economic resilience, and diplomatic independence, ensuring its interests are not subordinated to the changing moods in Washington.
Security and Defense Cooperation
In defence, the EU is increasing its military spending and coordinating efforts to strengthen its response capacity to external threats. Countries like France and Germany have advocated for a more independent foreign policy, promoting less reliance on NATO and enhancing self-deterrence capabilities.
While NATO remains an essential alliance, the EU has recognised that relying entirely on American military leadership presents strategic risks. The European Defense Fund and initiatives such as the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) have been developed to enhance European security coordination, fostering greater autonomy while maintaining ties with transatlantic allies.
Economic Diversification and Trade Independence
Beyond security, the EU has developed trade and cooperation agreements that allow it to diversify its alliances and reduce its vulnerability to unilateral U.S. decisions. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU is a prime example of how deep economic relationships can be established without compromising national sovereignty.
Canada can learn from this model and deepen its cooperation with the EU to achieve more excellent stability in an increasingly uncertain world. A stronger alliance with Europe would allow Canada to diversify its trade, strengthen its geopolitical position, and ensure its security without relying exclusively on the U.S.
The Benefits of Greater Integration with the EU
A stronger Canada-EU partnership would yield tangible benefits across multiple dimensions.
1. Economic and Trade Diversification
The EU is Canada’s second-largest trading partner after the U.S. However, Canada’s excessive dependence on the U.S. market makes its economy vulnerable to arbitrary decisions from Washington, such as the imposition of tariffs or the renegotiation of trade agreements.
Greater integration with the EU would enable Canada to lessen this vulnerability and broaden its access to a market of 440 million consumers by strengthening CETA and investigating new trade sectors. Additionally, it fosters cooperation in technological innovation, sustainable energy, and infrastructure investment.
2. Security and Defense: Moving Beyond NATO Dependence
Europe is showing that it is possible to build a robust security infrastructure without being entirely dependent on the U.S. For Canada, closer cooperation with the EU in defence would provide access to advanced technologies, shared intelligence, and enhanced capacity to respond to global threats.
By engaging more actively in European security initiatives and aligning its policies with EU defence strategies, Canada could secure alternative avenues for military collaboration while decreasing its reliance on U.S.-led NATO missions.
3. Strengthened Diplomatic and Political Influence
Canada and the EU are dedicated to multilateralism, democratic governance, and human rights. While the U.S. has adopted a more unilateral approach in global affairs, the EU has strengthened its position as a leader in international diplomacy and governance.
By strengthening its ties with the EU, Canada could obtain a more influential voice in global institutions and assume a more significant role in shaping trade regulations, climate policies, and security frameworks.
A More European Future for Canada: Moving from Dependency to Strategic Autonomy
The Trump-Zelensky meeting symbolises the end of an era of unconditional alliances, highlighting the need for countries like Canada to rethink their position in the global order. Overreliance on the U.S. poses an increasing risk, and the prospect that Washington will treat Canada with the same indifference it showed toward Zelensky is not unfounded.
The geopolitical landscape is shifting toward a multipolar order, requiring countries to leverage multiple partnerships to maintain stability. Canada cannot afford to remain in Washington’s shadow while the rest of the world adapts to these new realities.
By deepening its relationship with Europe, Canada would not abandon the U.S.; instead, it would recalibrate its alliances to ensure greater strategic flexibility. Canada should take immediate steps to:
– Broaden its economic agreements with the EU by integrating trade, technology, and energy cooperation.
– Participate more actively in European security initiatives, including intelligence sharing, cyber defence, and military coordination.
– Establish itself as a connection between North America and Europe by leveraging its unique geopolitical position.
– Advocate for a Canada-EU Strategic Council to formalise political, economic, and security coordination between Ottawa and Brussels.
In a world where power is defined by the ability to act independently and consistently, Canada cannot afford to be a secondary player in Washington’s game. The Trump-Zelensky meeting was a stark reminder that alliances must be re-evaluated amid changing global dynamics. For Canada, the lesson is clear: embracing a more European future is not just an option, it is an imperative for long-term sovereignty, economic security, and geopolitical relevance.
