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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has backed a deeper alliance with Europe as tensions with the US over tariffs intensify, saying Canada and the European
Union are “stronger together”. Speaking at the European Parliament, Carney welcomed an EU proposal for closer ties with Canada and pitched what he called a “new alliance” with Europe to protect against external economic and political pressures. The remarks came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested Canada could become the 27-nation bloc’s first “associate member” during her annual “State of the European Union” address on Wednesday.
Carney Pushes Back Against Trump
Carney said Canada welcomed the EU proposal and wanted deeper cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, defence and energy, AFP reported.
Responding to US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut trade ties with Europe over the proposed alliance with Canada, Carney said, “No one is going to dictate our culture, or with whom we can strike agreements internationally.”
Carney has been seeking closer ties with Europe as Canada’s trade tensions with the US continue to grow. Earlier this week, he said Canada was looking for a “unique alliance” with the EU, but not EU membership.
Trump has reacted angrily to the proposal. He called the idea “laughable” and told reporters he could impose “very serious tariffs” or “stop trading with Europe” if the alliance goes ahead.
Canada, EU Eye Deeper Economic And Defence Ties
The EU and Canada are looking to expand cooperation in areas including manufacturing, technology, defence, the Arctic, AI, energy and critical minerals, Reuters reported.
Von der Leyen said the two sides would work towards creating a “common prosperity and economic space”.
The proposed closer relationship comes as Canada and the EU seek to strengthen economic cooperation and support what they describe as the rules-based international order amid growing pressure from the US and China.
Canada and the EU already have a trade agreement known as CETA. However, more than a decade after it was signed and nine years after it provisionally entered into force, several EU member states have yet to ratify it.
