Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is open to becoming the European Union’s first associate member as Ottawa looks to strengthen ties with Europe.
Speaking to the European Parliament in France on Thursday, Carney backed a proposal from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for a closer relationship with Canada.
The proposed status does not currently exist under EU rules. Carney said Canada is not seeking full EU membership.
He said Canada and Europe could expand cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and energy.
Carney said stronger ties with Europe would help Canada reduce its dependence on the United States and protect its economic and political independence.
Relations with the U.S. have become more strained under President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and repeatedly suggested Canada could become the 51st state.
Trump has also criticized the proposed Canada-EU relationship.
Canada and the EU are expected to discuss the proposal further at a summit in Montreal on Oct. 29 and 30.
