Mark Carney proposes Canada's associate membership in EU to strengthen ties

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney told the European Parliament on Thursday that Canada should become an associate member of the EU, a proposal that has sparked debate across Europe and in Washington. The speech came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Ottawa to join the bloc in a new form of partnership. Carney said Canada and Europe must secure strategic autonomy through deep cooperation in all strategic capabilities.

The idea of associate membership is unusual because the EU constitution excludes non‑European states. Carney, however, highlighted the existing Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and argued that deeper ties would help both sides address energy security, raw‑material supply, education, technology, AI, and defence. He warned that the United States and China, along with large tech firms, are squeezing the EU and Canada, and that closer collaboration could close key capability gaps.

European leaders welcomed Carney’s speech, applauding his “warm words” and his vision of a new form of multilateral governance that does not create a third superpower or a bloc against anyone. In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the proposal outright, threatening “very heavy tariffs” if Canada joined the EU and labeling the move a “hostile act.” Ottawa is already engaged in a trade dispute with Washington, and many Canadians fear that they can no longer rely on the U.S. for security and defence.

The proposal does not guarantee formal membership, but it could deepen Canada‑EU ties and signal a shift away from isolationism. Carney stressed that like‑minded nations should club together to build strength and safeguard sovereignty, a message that echoes nationalist slogans across Europe. Whether the idea gains traction will depend on how the EU balances its own internal politics, the U.S. stance, and the interests of Canada’s allies.