Bangladesh, Sept. 25 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent address to the European Parliament offered more than a conventional assessment of the European Union's political and economic challenges. With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney present, the speech also highlighted a potentially important shift in Europe's approach to Canada-and, more broadly, to the changing architecture of global power.

Von der Leyen repeatedly emphasized the depth of the relationship between Canada and Europe, describing their historical, cultural and political connections as the foundation for a closer partnership. She also addressed Carney directly, arguing that the two sides should "reimagine" their relationship and explore a new ...