EU And Canada Are Stronger Together, Mark Carney Says After Trump Derides Alliance

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told the European Parliament that Canada and Europe should deepen ties to protect their markets and democracies, after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floated making Canada an ‘associate member’ of the EU. Carney stopped short of using that term but said he appreciated the ambition behind it, while listing critical minerals, defense industry, AI, energy security and space as areas for closer cooperation.

The remarks came hours after President Trump threatened ‘very serious tariffs’ or a trade halt with Europe if the EU proposal turned out to be a ‘hostile act,’ calling the idea ‘laughable’ while also saying he'd have no objection if the intention was good. The European Commission's spokesperson insisted the plan is not aimed against anyone.

France's Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad separately said the United States has no say in the EU's geopolitical choices. Carney, for his part, said no one would dictate what language Canadians speak or with whom they strike international agreements.

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