Carney: Canada welcomes proposal to become EU associate member

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday welcomed Canada’s invitation to join the European Union as its first associate member.

“A Canada-EU alliance would create a beacon for other democracies,” Carney said during his speech before the European Parliament. “An alliance not defined by what we oppose but about what we are for: freedom, solidarity, prosperity, sustainability.”

The prime minister thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who floated the idea a day earlier, writing on social media that it would “create a common prosperity and economic security space.”

“Canada welcomes this ambition,” he told the legislative body, noting support from Canadians in polling for “much closer ties with Europe.”

“An alliance for the future is a unique positive approach that we will define together, building on our common strengths and based on our shared values,” Carney added.

The Canadian leader proposed “deep cooperation” on issues like critical minerals, defense industrial capacity, AI, space, research and financial services.

President Trump, whose administration levied high tariffs on Canadian goods in recent weeks as trade talks fizzled , threatened more economic actions and a potential trade embargo if Canada joins the EU.

“I think it’s laughable. Canada’s been a terrible trading partner,” the president told reporters in North Carolina during a campaign rally for GOP Senate hopeful Michael Whatley. “If they do that, if I think at all it’s a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe.”

Carney received a standing ovation at the end of his Thursday remarks, in which he expressed Canada’s dedication to the blocs shared values.

“We are not fair-weather allies. We do not pursue zero-sum deals,” he said.

“Our commitment to the rule of law and our unyielding defense of human dignity, individual freedom and democracy share the same deep roots, the same unwavering dedication,” the prime minister continued. “We hold common values, for which we have always fought and for whose defense we must always remain vigilant.”