Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has embraced a proposal from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for Canada to become the European Union's first associate member. Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Carney welcomed the invitation, stating that deep cooperation and closer ties with the 27-member bloc would ensure that no single country could control Canada's markets or undermine its sovereignty.
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who described the idea as laughable and a hostile act. Trump has threatened to respond to the move by imposing very serious tariffs on the bloc or halting trade with the European Union entirely.
In a defiant response, Carney pushed back against the U.S. president's threats, noting that polling shows an overwhelming majority of Canadians support closer ties with Europe. He clarified that the intent is not to cede sovereignty or become a full member of the EU, quipping that he is not proposing a third bloc to become a great power rival.
Carney has pledged to hold a series of debates and a vote in Parliament to decide the future relationship between Canada and the European Union.