Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday, signaling his support for a proposal to make Canada the European Union’s first "associate member." The initiative, initially put forward by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, seeks to strengthen ties in areas including defense, energy security, technology, and the supply of critical minerals.
While the specific parameters of such a status remain undefined and would require the approval of all 27 EU member states, the proposal aims to enhance "strategic autonomy" for both parties. Carney emphasized that the partnership would not function as a rival power bloc but rather as a "beacon for other democracies" facing challenges such as climate change and the "weaponisation of trade." He specifically highlighted potential collaborations in energy, such as Canada supplying liquefied natural gas and hydrogen to Europe, and the possibility of Canada joining the EU’s Erasmus+ program to facilitate student and worker mobility.
The proposal has drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that he would consider the move a "hostile act" if he deemed it detrimental to U.S. interests, threatening "very serious tariffs" on Europe in response. Canada and the U.S. are currently engaged in an escalating trade dispute involving reciprocal tariffs.
In response to the U.S. president’s comments, Carney maintained that the alliance is a "positive process" and asserted Canada's right to pursue its own international agreements. He clarified that Canada is not seeking full EU membership, but rather a unique framework that respects national sovereignty. The two sides are expected to discuss the details of this potential partnership further at a summit in Montreal scheduled for late October.
Source: BBC News
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