Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for stronger cooperation between Canada and the European Union, presenting closer ties as a way to strengthen economic security, strategic independence and shared democratic values. Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday, Carney welcomed the possibility of Canada becoming the EU’s first associate member, while making clear that Ottawa is not seeking full membership of the bloc.
The proposal comes as Canada and the EU look to expand their relationship across trade, technology, defence and energy. The initiative has also drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump, who warned that Washington could impose significant tariffs on Europe if the plan moves forward.
Carney Outlines Vision for Stronger Canada-EU Partnership
Addressing European lawmakers, Carney said Canada and Europe could improve their strategic autonomy through cooperation across a wide range of important sectors. He highlighted critical minerals, defence manufacturing, artificial intelligence, computing, energy security, space and payment systems as potential areas for joint work.
The Canadian leader argued that countries do not need to become entirely self-sufficient to protect their interests. Instead, he emphasized the importance of building resilient partnerships that allow democratic nations to work together during periods of global uncertainty.
Carney also proposed expanding people-to-people connections between Canada and Europe. His ideas included a youth exchange programme allowing young people to study, work and live in both regions. He further backed Canadian participation in Erasmus+, the EU’s education, training and sports programme.
The address received a standing ovation from members of the European Parliament, reflecting the attention surrounding the proposed Canada-EU relationship.
EU Associate Membership Proposal Raises Questions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first introduced the idea of Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member during her address to the European Parliament on Wednesday.
She said the EU wanted to take its relationship with Canada to the highest possible level and suggested that both sides should explore a new form of partnership based on shared values and common interests.
Canada and the EU already have a trade agreement and several sector-specific arrangements. The proposed associate membership would represent a broader relationship, although the precise structure and legal framework have yet to be established.
The EU does not currently have a formal associate membership category in its founding treaties. The proposal would therefore require further discussions among European governments and institutions.
While EU member states generally support closer relations with Canada, some have expressed reservations about the term “associate membership.” Carney said the exact name of the arrangement was less important than the substance of the partnership.
He also stressed that Canada is not seeking full EU membership. Any future agreement would be subject to debate and approval through Canada’s parliamentary process.
Trump Warns of Tariffs as Canada Looks Toward Europe
The proposed partnership has emerged during a period of strained relations between the United States, Canada and the European Union.
Trump criticized the associate membership idea and warned that Washington could impose serious tariffs on Europe or potentially halt trade if the initiative proceeded. His comments added pressure to a diplomatic discussion that Ottawa and Brussels have described as an effort to strengthen their mutual interests.
Carney responded by saying that closer Canada-EU cooperation was a positive initiative rather than a reaction to any one country or event. He presented the relationship as an opportunity for democratic nations to work together on economic resilience, security and long-term prosperity.
Canada has also taken steps to expand its international defence partnerships. Carney’s government recently announced that the country had formally applied to join the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a military coalition involving 10 European NATO members.
The move reflects Ottawa’s wider efforts to deepen ties with European partners in areas including defence, trade and technology.
As discussions continue, the proposed Canada-EU associate membership remains a developing diplomatic initiative. Its final terms, scope and approval process will determine how closely Canada and the European Union can work together in the years ahead.
