Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was greeted with applause in the European Parliament as he outlined the prospect of his country becoming the first associated member of the European Union. He stated that closer ties with Europe aim to ensure that no country can control Canada’s economy, affect its sovereignty, or undermine its freedoms.
Carney, in a speech before the European Parliament on Thursday, emphasized the importance of cooperation between Europe and Canada, welcoming the proposal by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, presented on Wednesday.
The Canadian Prime Minister received an enthusiastic welcome upon entering the room. Numerous parliamentarians approached him to shake hands and take selfies, and his speech was followed by a standing ovation. One of the parliamentarians even wore a Canadian hockey jersey, as reported by AP.
He was amused when, before taking the floor, someone started shouting ironically from the room, "USA! USA!":
Carney acknowledged that the term "associated member" requires a precise definition and presented his own vision of what this formula could represent: deeper integration between Canada and Europe in areas such as trade, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space sector, research, and financial services, to reduce the vulnerability of both parties to economic and geopolitical pressures.
"We are not proposing the creation of a third bloc to rival the great powers — but one with more refined manners. We are not seeking power to dominate others," he said.
Carney specified that the goal is instead to strengthen Canada's resilience, so that no country can control its markets, undermine its sovereignty, or dictate its choices.
EU and Canada Prepare a "Alliance for the Future"
Ursula Von der Leyen proposed that Canada become the first associated member of the EU – a status that does not currently exist in the community bloc's treaties and would need to be created. She stated that Europe aims to elevate its relationship with Canada to the "highest possible level."
Seated in the front row of the European Parliament, Carney nodded approvingly as the EC chief spoke and stood up to embrace her, while parliamentarians greeted the proposal with a standing ovation.
Von der Leyen suggested that the EU and Canada should move beyond the current framework of free trade and establish an "Alliance for the Future," including a "common space of prosperity and economic security."
Carney will host EU leaders at a Canada-EU summit in Montreal on October 29 and 30; it is anticipated that during this event, the two parties will delve into more detailed discussions about the proposed new relationship.
Canada Has Found the Best Way to Escape Trump
Carney's statements came after US President Donald Trump suggested that the EU's proposal could be a "hostile act" and threatened to impose high tariffs on Europe if it viewed its intentions as unfriendly.
For generations, Canada has built its economy on integration with the United States. Trump's tariffs, demands for economic concessions, and repeated discussions about transforming Canada into the 51st American state have prompted Ottawa to reduce its dependence on the US and pursue a much deeper relationship with Europe in economic, political, and security realms.
Canada directs approximately 70% of its exports to the United States, making it extremely vulnerable to Trump's imposed tariffs.
Carney Mobilized the "Middle Powers"
Carney repeatedly urged middle powers to resist this type of economic coercion. At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, he warned that when countries negotiate individually with a dominant power, "we negotiate from a position of weakness. We accept what is offered to us." Trump criticized him the next day.
Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's designated ambassador to the EU, stated on Wednesday that his country is not seeking full membership status in the EU, as this would involve relinquishing some sovereignty.
Instead, Ottawa aims to "get as close as possible" to Europe while enhancing Canada's independence.
The specific implications of an associated membership status are yet to be negotiated.
Canada has already taken a significant step. This year, it became the first country outside Europe to join the EU's defense procurement program, SAFE, worth €150 billion ($173 billion), providing Canadian companies access to joint procurements as Europe increases its military spending.
Additionally, the two parties have discussed closer cooperation in areas such as energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and digital trade.
"The policies and rhetoric of the Trump administration are clearly pushing both Canada and the EU to imagine a world without strong US leadership and to act accordingly," said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.
Nelson Wiseman, emeritus professor at the University of Toronto, stated that Carney's handling of the relationship with Trump has increased European interest in the Canadian leader. "Carney's ability to deal with Trump has caught Europe's attention," he said.
Washington Will Monitor the Situation
Wiseman noted that Europeans have always viewed Canada as a country that understands the United States exceptionally well due to deep economic and political ties between the two states. Carney's willingness to oppose Trump rather than swiftly acquiesce to Washington's demands has reinforced this perception, he added.
Béland stated that it is possible that on Thursday, Carney may avoid explicitly mentioning Trump, which he did, leaving little doubt about the target of his broader argumentation. "He knows that beyond Europe, the world will be watching him, including the White House," Béland said.
T.D.