Europe looks to Canada to prepare for the next pandemic

European commissioner Hadja Lahbib says the EU wants to use its closer ties with Canada, as Washington grows less predictable. She says scientists agree the next crisis will come, and the point is to be ready.

Montreal

A Canada-EU summit takes place Thursday and Friday in Montreal, on the 10th anniversary of the trade agreement between them. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ursula von der Leyen are to unveil next steps of their "alliance for the future".

The EU wants to boost vaccine and protective-equipment production on both sides of the Atlantic, so vaccines can be ready in weeks rather than months.

Also on the table

Lahbib also sees Canada joining the EU civil protection mechanism, which coordinates help in major disasters such as wildfires.