Trudeau, Praising the E. U., Doesn’t Mention ‘Brexit’ or Trump -
STRASBOURG, France — Declaring that “the whole world benefits from a strong E. U.,” Justin Trudeau on Thursday became the first sitting prime minister of Canada to address the European Parliament, underscoring their close ties even as Britain prepares to leave the European Union
and as President Trump celebrates the fracturing of the 28-nation bloc.
Mr. Trudeau’s speech here in Strasbourg, a potent symbol of the French-German alliance
that is at the core of the European Union, came a day after the European Parliament ratified a landmark trade deal that many economists and other observers see as a counterweight to the protectionist policies supported by Mr. Trump.
This anxiety towards the economy and trade — the worry
that our kids won’t have access to the same jobs and opportunities that we have — can be addressed only if we ensure that trade is inclusive, and that everyone benefits.”
The Canada-European Union deal, known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, “is a terrific example of just that,” he continued.
Mr. Trudeau indirectly alluded on Thursday to the anxieties
that have propelled populist movements, especially immigration, which is a major worry for the British voters who decided to leave the European Union and for the American voters who put Mr. Trump, a political outsider, into the White House.
“Canada knows that an effective European voice on the global stage isn’t just preferable — it’s essential.”
He added: “We know that the E. U.
is the world’s largest donor of development and humanitarian assistance,
and that, together, your member states represent one of the world’s largest economies.
