QuickQuotes: Reaction to Carney’s move to strike new alliance with the European Union

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a new alliance between Canada and the European Union, rejecting US President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs. Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Carney emphasized that Canada and Europe are stronger together, and that Canada will not let any government dictate whom it can partner with.

This comes after von der Leyen's proposal for Canada to become the EU's first 'associate member', which could cover trade, defense, technology, energy, critical minerals, and the Arctic. Carney described the relationship as a beacon for other democracies and a response to an unstable international order. However, Trump has dismissed the idea as 'laughable' and warned that the US could impose serious tariffs if it viewed the arrangement as hostile.

The Canadian leader stressed that the EU-Canada partnership is intended to be positive and not aimed at any specific country, including the US.