Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed a proposal for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member, saying closer ties could reinforce democratic sovereignty amid growing geopolitical pressures.
Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Carney called for deeper cooperation between Canada and the EU on defence, critical minerals, energy security, technology and trade. He said Canada and European countries were stronger when working together, describing the potential partnership as an example for other democracies.
The proposal was raised by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said she wanted to open the door to an associate membership arrangement for Canada. Such a status does not currently exist within the EU, and it remains unclear what rights or obligations it would involve.
Cooperation on security and energy
Carney said Canada and the EU could build greater strategic autonomy through cooperation across key capabilities, particularly critical minerals. He also said Canada could provide liquefied natural gas and hydrogen to help support European energy security, while Canada could draw on European expertise in clean-energy technology.
He proposed combining technological resources and expanding links between people on both sides of the Atlantic. Among the ideas he raised was Canadian participation in the EU’s Erasmus+ programme, which could enable young people to work, study and live across Canada and Europe.
Carney said the initiative was not intended to create another geopolitical power bloc or a rival to major powers. Instead, he said it was about protecting the ability of societies to determine how they live. He cited climate change, pressure on democratic norms, and the use of trade, financial tools and supply chains for coercion as challenges facing democratic countries.
US response and next steps
US President Donald Trump criticised the idea, calling it laughable and saying the United States could impose serious tariffs on Europe or halt trade in some areas if he viewed the arrangement as a hostile act. Canada and the United States are already engaged in an escalating trade dispute, with both countries imposing tariffs after bilateral talks collapsed last month.
Responding after his European Parliament address, Carney said the proposed Canada-EU alliance was a positive process. He also said Canadians would not accept outside dictates over their language, culture or international agreements.
Carney stressed that Canada was neither in a position nor seeking to become a full EU member. He described associate membership as a separate framework that would need to be developed jointly. Any new arrangement would require the agreement of all 27 EU member states, and some governments have previously expressed reservations about establishing a new type of membership.
Canada and the EU already have a free-trade agreement and cooperate on trade, defence and research. Carney said Canada’s parliament would debate and vote on the proposals, but noted that discussions were at an early stage. A Canada-EU summit scheduled for Montreal at the end of October is expected to examine the details further.
Source: BBC News
