Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warmly backed the European Commission's proposal to make the country the EU's first "associate member." The idea was voiced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 16 September in Strasbourg during her State of the European Union address.
Carney spoke at the European Parliament the following day. He said Canada welcomes this ambition and sees in it a path to closer cooperation in defense, critical minerals and energy security.
"Canada and Europe are stronger together," the prime minister stressed, noting the shared challenges of a geopolitical rift. The new status does not yet exist in the EU treaties and requires creation and ratification.
The comprehensive trade agreement CETA is already in force, but the sides want to deepen ties in technology, manufacturing, AI, cybersecurity and the Arctic. Carney proposed expanding exchange programs, including Erasmus+ for young people.
The proposal came amid trade tensions with the United States. President Donald Trump called the idea "laughable" and threatened Europe with serious tariffs if it is implemented.
What this will give Canada and Europe in the long term is not yet clear, but both leaders emphasize: this is not about creating a bloc against someone, but about joint strategic autonomy.
Carney noted that the final decision on the form of the alliance will be made by Canadian legislators. For now, the sides speak of complementary strengths: Canada can supply LNG and hydrogen, Europe can share expertise in clean technologies.
