Carney welcomes EU associate membership for Canada as Trump raises tariff threat

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed the prospect of his country becoming the European Union’s first associate member in his recent address to the EU Parliament.

Carney also hails Canada-EU relationship, calling it a protective canopy under which both nations and citizens can thrive.

He adds, “Canada and Europe are each strong. Europe and Canada are stronger together."

Speaking about the nature of membership, Carney defined it in the terms of Canada-Europe integration across trade, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, space & research and financial services to make both parties “less susceptible to economic and geopolitical pressure.”

“I am not proposing a third bloc in order to become a great-power rival — only with better manners. We do not seek power to dominate others,” he added.

When asked about Trump’s latest tariff threat, Carney called this alliance a positive response, “that’s my response to the American president.”

The Canadian PM adds, "A stronger, more resilient, more sovereign Canada would be a more effective partner with the United States - the same would go for the European Union."

The remarks come after President Donald Trump mocked Canada and called it the terrible trade partner of the US. Moreover, he issued a tariff warning to the EU as the bloc backed its associate membership bid.

The president stated that his threat of slapping tariffs is based on the “intention of European leaders.”

“If it’s a good intention, that’s fine. If it’s a bad intention, we’ll put very heavy tariffs on Europe.” He also suggested the US could cut off trade with Europe in certain areas.

Carney also announced that the Canada-EU alliance is just beginning, confirming plans for a parliamentary debate and vote. According to the PM, there will be a summit in Montreal at the end of October where they will "drill down the details".