Canada seeks EU associate membership to strengthen sovereignty

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 23:20 · Archive

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expects to conclude negotiations with the European Union in June to make Canada the bloc's first associate member.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday he expects to conclude negotiations with the European Union in June to make Canada the bloc's first 'associate member'. The move aims to strengthen sovereignty and reduce dependence on the United States, as Trump's trade war and threats against traditional allies accelerate efforts by Canada and Europe to forge closer ties.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the alliance reflects shared values. 'What brings us together goes far beyond geography. We see the world through the same eyes,' she said, adding 'These headwinds won't stop blowing. This change is permanent.' Carney said the arrangement would help Canada and Europe withstand economic pressure and make their own decisions without being dictated to by more powerful countries.

Trump has suggested Canada's proposed EU arrangement could be a 'hostile act' and threatened tariffs on Europe if he considered it unfriendly. Carney, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa launched the 'Alliance for the Future' at a two-day summit in Montreal, announcing progress on digital trade, European investment in Canadian critical minerals and artificial intelligence. Carney insisted the alliance was not aimed against any country but about 'reinforcing sovereignty'.

How it is being reported

• Carney eyes June deal for Canada to become EU associate member as Trump reshapes alliancesMONTREAL — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday he expects to conclude negotiations with the European Union in June to make Canada the bloc’s first “associate member,” as both sides forge an unprecedented alliance to protect their sovereignty in a changing world order.TribLIVE · 30 Oct, 20:04
• Carney eyes June deal for Canada to become EU associate member as Trump reshapes alliancesPittsburgh Post-Gazette · 30 Oct, 20:04
• Carney, top EU official push Canada associate membership, wider alliance against Trump threatsPittsburgh Post-Gazette · 29 Oct, 19:05

In this story: Mark Carney · Ursula von der Leyen · Donald Trump · António Costa · European Union · Canada · United States · Montreal

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