Brussels, 12 February 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa in Brussels on Wednesday to boost relations with the bloc.

Trudeau's trip was announced days after the United States suspended its planned tariffs of up to 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico after both countries agreed to new border security measures.

With the threat of US tariffs looming, Trudeau is focusing on the EU, Canada's second largest destination for goods and services exports after the United States.

The meeting in Brussels is "to help secure a strong, prosperous future for people on both sides of the Atlantic," a press release said.

Trade between Canada and the EU reached a total of C$157.3 billion (US$109.8 billion) in goods and services in 2023, according to the Canadian government.

Despite an increase in trade in recent years, commercial relations between the EU and Canada are not untainted.

A far-reaching free trade agreement provisionally entered into force in 2017. The deal however still has not been ratified by all 27 EU member states, meaning it can only be partially applied.

Other topics to be discussed include trans-Atlantic security and support for Ukraine.

Trudeau will also meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to "reaffirm Canada’s commitment to working with the Alliance to uphold democracy, peace and security," a statement said.