Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged closer ties with the EU, signaling Canada's intent to expand cooperation beyond trade to include energy, AI, and defense. The move comes as the EU explores associate membership for Canada, a status not yet defined but potentially offering regulatory alignment and access to EU programs.
Carney addressed the European Parliament, emphasizing that Canada and Europe are stronger together against geopolitical challenges. He rejected the idea of a third bloc, stressing that the partnership is about sovereignty and resilience. The EU's proposal for associate membership was met with skepticism from some Canadian political figures and criticism from U.S. President Trump, who warned of tariffs if the proposal is seen as hostile.
The EU and Canada already have a free-trade agreement, but the associate membership proposal could deepen collaboration in critical minerals, energy security, and defense. The status remains undefined, requiring approval from all 27 EU member states, and could take years to implement. Trump's threat of tariffs highlights the geopolitical tensions surrounding the proposal, though the EU insists it is a positive step for shared prosperity.