World
Mark Carney addresses the European Parliament as Canada-EU associate status debate gathers pace
The Canadian prime minister backed Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member. The idea has raised questions across Europe and drawn a warning from Donald Trump.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament as debate intensified over Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to make Canada the European Union’s first associate member.
According to POLITICO Europe, the idea caught European capitals off guard and triggered questions about what that status would actually entail, how it would differ from existing partnership arrangements and how Washington might respond.
In his speech, Carney praised the proposal from the European Commission president and welcomed the prospect of a closer framework between Canada and the EU. He also said polling shows a large majority of Canadians support much stronger ties with Europe.
Carney added that such a relationship could be shaped jointly on the basis of common strengths and shared values, according to POLITICO Europe’s account of the remarks.
France 24 reported that Carney’s appearance came after Donald Trump suggested that allowing Canada to become an associate EU member could be seen as a hostile act. POLITICO Europe, meanwhile, said Trump threatened serious tariffs on Europe if it moved ahead.
Sources
About this piece. Written by El Notero with AI assistance, from reporting published by the outlet cited above. El Notero did no original reporting on this story.
