Carney embraces EU associate membership proposal

(SRN NEWS) – Canada is turning toward Europe as Prime Minister Mark Carney pushes for a closer economic and security relationship with the European Union. The move follows months of tension with President Donald Trump over tariffs, trade, and Canada’s long-standing dependence on the United States.

Speaking Thursday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Carney welcomed the European Commission’s proposal to make Canada the bloc’s first associate member. The concept does not currently exist under EU treaties and would have to be negotiated and formally created.

Carney said Canada is seeking closer cooperation with Europe in trade, defense, energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, space, research, and financial services. He emphasized that Canada is not seeking full membership in the European Union.

Instead, Carney described the proposal as a way to strengthen Canada’s independence and reduce its vulnerability to pressure from any single country.

“We do not seek power to dominate others,” Carney told lawmakers. “On the contrary, we are pursuing resilience so that no one can control our open markets, impair our sovereignty, threaten our territorial integrity, or undermine our freedoms, our democracies, our rule of law.”

The speech received an enthusiastic response from European lawmakers, including a standing ovation. One parliamentarian even wore a Canadian hockey jersey.

The European proposal comes as relations between Ottawa and Washington have grown increasingly tense. Canada sends approximately 70% of its exports to the United States, leaving its economy highly exposed to President Trump’s tariff policies.

President Trump has demanded economic concessions from Canada and has repeatedly pressed Ottawa to address trade imbalances and other concerns. He has also joked publicly about Canada becoming the 51st American state—comments Canadian officials have rejected.

The President has argued that tariffs are an essential tool for protecting American jobs, strengthening domestic industries, and forcing trading partners to negotiate more balanced arrangements. Republicans say Canada’s decision to seek alternatives demonstrates that the president’s strategy is creating leverage rather than simply issuing empty threats.

Canada has retaliated against some U.S. tariffs, while European officials have largely accepted tariffs of up to 15% on most exports to the United States. Trump warned that the proposed Canada-EU arrangement could be viewed as a hostile act and suggested Europe could face heavier tariffs if its intentions were judged unfriendly.

Carney responded that Canadians would not allow outside governments to dictate their culture, language, or international partnerships.

Canada and the EU are expected to discuss the proposed relationship at a summit in Montreal scheduled for October 29 and 30.

The two sides have already moved closer on defense. Canada became the first non-European nation to join the EU’s 150-billion-euro defense procurement program, giving Canadian companies access to joint purchasing as Europe increases military spending.

The proposed partnership could also expand cooperation on energy, critical minerals, digital trade, and artificial intelligence.

For the Trump administration and congressional Republicans, the developing alliance offers a reminder that America remains the world’s indispensable economic power. They say Canada and Europe may seek new arrangements, but access to the American market—and the security partnership provided by Washington—remains a powerful bargaining advantage.

PHOTO- Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, arrives to deliver a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, Thursday, Sept 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Pascal Bastien)