+++ US-Zollpolitik +++: Mark Carney im EU-Parlament: „Wir sind keine Schönwetterverbündeten“

Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, has embarked on an ambitious effort to deepen Canada's ties with the European Union, proposing that Canada become the first "associated member" of the EU. While the term "associated member" has been quickly dismissed by Berlin officials as non-existent and beyond the EU's reach, the Canadian prime minister's push for a closer relationship with the EU has gained significant support among EU officials and EU supporters alike.

EU officials, however, are wary of setting a precedent that could be applied to other candidate countries. They have previously rejected a German proposal to grant Ukraine a form of associate membership, citing the lack of full implementation of the 2017 CETA trade agreement, concerns about prioritizing Canada over other key partners, and the potential to provoke President Trump.

Despite the EU's caution, many EU officials, including the Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, have expressed their support for Canada's bid to strengthen its ties with the EU. EU officials argue that while the rules for all member states are the same, there is still room for deeper and strategic cooperation with Canada in the current global climate. EU officials believe that Canada's proximity to Europe makes it an ideal candidate for a more robust and strategic partnership.