Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for deeper ties between Canada and the European Union, saying closer cooperation would strengthen both sides’ economic and strategic resilience.
Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday, Carney welcomed a proposal for Canada to become an “associate member” of the EU, arguing that stronger ties would benefit both Canada and Europe.
“Europe and Canada are both powerful on their own, but together, they are even stronger,” Carney told EU lawmakers.
His comments came hours after US President Donald Trump criticised the proposal and warned that Washington could impose additional tariffs on Europe if he considered the move hostile.
Carney said Canada was not seeking to establish another power bloc to rival major powers but wanted to strengthen its ability to protect its economy, sovereignty and democratic institutions.
“I am not suggesting the creation of a third bloc to rival the great powers, but rather one that operates with greater diplomacy and respect,” he said.
“We are not seeking power to dominate others. Instead, we are building resilience to ensure that no one can control our open markets, compromise our sovereignty, threaten our territorial integrity, or weaken our freedoms, democracies and rule of law.”
Trump had earlier warned that the United States could take action against the EU if it proceeded with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to strengthen relations with Canada.
“If they take such a step, and I consider it a hostile action, I will impose very significant tariffs or halt trade with Europe on a range of goods,” Trump told reporters while travelling to an event in North Carolina.
Trump described the proposal as “laughable” but said the US response would depend on its intentions.
“If the move is made with good intentions, that is acceptable. But if the intentions are negative, we will impose very heavy tariffs on Europe,” he said.
The European Commission has rejected the suggestion that the proposal is aimed at the United States. Olof Gill, a commission spokesperson, said the initiative was intended to strengthen the partnership between Canada and Europe rather than target another country.
Carney said Canada was interested in expanding cooperation with the EU in several strategic areas, including critical minerals, defence industrial capacity, artificial intelligence and computing, energy security, space and payment systems.
He also identified digital trade and the development of more secure broadband connections between Europe and Asia as potential areas for closer cooperation.
“We are not allies only when circumstances are favourable,” Carney said. “We believe our shared prosperity increases when its benefits are broadly distributed.”
The proposed associate membership has yet to be fully developed and would require approval from EU member states before it could proceed. Carney’s remarks signal Canada’s interest in expanding its economic and strategic partnership with Europe as tensions over trade with the United States continue.
Goodness Anunobi
Follow us on:
