Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed the European Union's proposal for Canada to become an "associate member," advocating for enhanced collaboration on defense, critical minerals, and energy security.
Carney stated in an address to the European Parliament that Canada and Europe are "stronger together" in the face of current geopolitical challenges. His remarks followed a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to "open the door" to such a membership status, which does not currently exist within the EU framework.
US President Donald Trump, however, dismissed the idea as "laughable" and threatened "very serious tariffs" on Europe if it pursued the proposal, which he viewed as a "hostile act." This statement comes amidst an escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada, marked by retaliatory tariffs after bilateral talks faltered last month.
"Today our societies are being battered by new storms," Carney said, citing climate change, the erosion of democratic norms, and the weaponization of trade and financial mechanisms. He described the proposed Canada-EU alliance as a "beacon for other democracies," clarifying it is not intended to form a new power bloc aimed at rivaling existing powers.
"This is about sovereignty, our ability to live as we wish. We do not seek power to dominate others," Carney told members of the European Parliament.
Responding to Trump's comments, Carney characterized the proposed alliance as a "positive process." He asserted that Canadians are united in their resolve to determine their own language, culture, and international agreements.
Carney clarified that Canada is not seeking full membership in the European Union but a "different framework" for cooperation. The concept of an "associate member" status for Canada is novel, and its implementation could take years, requiring agreement from all 27 EU member states, some of whom have previously voiced reservations about new forms of membership.
The EU and Canada already share a free-trade agreement and collaborate on trade, defense, and research.
During his address, Carney emphasized strengthening "strategic autonomy" through "deep co-operation in the full range of strategic capabilities, including critical minerals." He suggested Canada could supply liquefied natural gas and hydrogen to bolster European energy security, while leveraging Europe's expertise in clean-energy technologies. He also proposed pooling technological resources and enhancing people-to-people ties, such as potentially including Canada in the EU's Erasmus+ program for student mobility.
Carney described the envisioned relationship as a "unique, positive approach that we will define together." He noted that the proposals would undergo debate and a vote in the Canadian parliament, acknowledging that the process is in its early stages.
A Canada-EU summit is scheduled for late October in Montreal, where details of the proposed cooperation are expected to be further discussed.