Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has backed a deeper partnership with the European Union despite a warning from US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Carney welcomed the EU’s proposal for Canada to become its first “associate member”. He also called for closer cooperation across several strategic areas.
“Europe and Canada are stronger together,” Carney said during his speech, which received a standing ovation.
He said Canada wanted stronger cooperation with Europe on artificial intelligence, defence, energy and other strategic sectors.
Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Canada-EU Plan
Carney’s address came after Trump warned the European Union against moving forward with the proposed arrangement.
Trump called the idea “laughable” and said Washington could impose “very serious tariffs” or potentially “stop trading with Europe”.
However, Carney rejected the suggestion that Washington could determine Canada’s international partnerships.
“No one is going to dictate our culture, or with whom we can strike agreements internationally.”
Carney also said the proposed partnership would not target another country. Instead, he described it as an effort to strengthen cooperation and resilience among democracies.
What Would Canada’s EU Associate Status Mean?
The proposed “associate member” status remains unclear because EU treaties do not currently provide for such an arrangement.
Carney said the terminology mattered less than what Canada and Europe could actually build together.
“What matters is the substance — what are we actually building together?”
The proposal also requires support from EU member states. Therefore, its eventual shape and level of backing remain uncertain.
Canada and Europe Eye Wider Cooperation
Carney outlined several areas where Canada and Europe could deepen their existing relationship.
These include critical minerals, defence industries, artificial intelligence, energy security, space and financial systems.
Canada could also supply Europe with liquefied natural gas and hydrogen on a large scale, according to Carney.
Meanwhile, he proposed moving towards “seamless digital trade” in non-agricultural goods and services.
He also called for greater opportunities for young people to live, work and study on either side of the Atlantic.
The two sides already have the CETA free-trade agreement, while Canada has also joined the EU’s SAFE defence loan programme as its first non-European member.
EU Proposal Adds New Dimension to Existing Ties
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the associate membership idea during her annual State of the European Union address.
She presented closer cooperation with Canada as a partnership aimed at strengthening both sides rather than targeting another country.
Carney subsequently endorsed the proposal while stressing Canada’s interest in deeper ties with Europe.
The idea follows earlier discussions about creating an associate status for countries outside the EU. However, the current proposal would need further discussion before its exact structure becomes clear.
Canada-EU Summit Could Shape Next Steps
Carney’s Strasbourg visit comes ahead of an EU-Canada summit scheduled in Montreal next month.
The summit could provide an opportunity to discuss how the proposed partnership might develop across trade, defence, energy and technology.
For now, Canada has signalled support for closer European ties, while Trump has warned of possible economic retaliation.
A European diplomat, speaking anonymously, said EU countries remained interested in strengthening relations with Canada regardless of the terminology. The diplomat also described Trump’s reaction as evidence that the proposal had already achieved an impact.
The coming talks will therefore determine how far the proposed Canada-EU partnership can move beyond its existing economic and strategic framework.
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