Carney Meets German Chancellor to Advance Critical Minerals, Security, and Trade Ties

Berlin, Germany — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Tuesday to discuss critical minerals, defense, and trade relations between the two countries.

The leaders reviewed the Critical Minerals Action Plan, agreed on at the G7 Summit earlier this year. Carney stressed Canada’s intention to develop and stockpile minerals needed for defense and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Both leaders emphasized the need to diversify trade and energy supply chains, with Canada positioned as a key supplier for German industry.

Security issues in Europe were also on the agenda. Canada and Germany, part of the Coalition of the Willing, reaffirmed support for Ukraine and the importance of credible security guarantees. The meeting highlighted ongoing coordination with the United States on defense and regional stability.

Trade between the two countries has grown in recent years. In 2024, merchandise trade totaled $30.5 billion Canadian dollars, with Canadian exports at $6.8 billion and German exports at $23.7 billion. Services trade reached $8.7 billion. Germany is Canada’s sixth-largest merchandise trading partner and the largest in the EU.

Academic and cultural exchanges remain active. Thousands of German students study in Canada each year, while Canadian researchers and artists maintain collaborative projects in Germany. Canada is also part of the EU’s Horizon Europe research program and the Eureka Network for industrial R&D collaboration.

Defense cooperation continues to be a focus. Canada and Germany lead NATO battle groups in Latvia and Lithuania, respectively, and participate in a North Atlantic maritime security partnership that now includes Denmark. Carney visited a German submarine facility as Canada prepares to replace its aging fleet and plans to raise NATO defense spending to five percent of GDP by 2030.

The meeting provided a platform for Canada and Germany to discuss shared economic and security interests, but also highlighted practical challenges in supply chains, defense modernization, and ongoing support for Ukraine.