The EU and Canada are getting closer than ever. And the world is watching
The EU's move to make Canada an "associate member" is being watched worldwide as a new model to attract other democracies in its orbit, but it risks alienating candidate countries and further straining ties with Washington.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed support for the European Union's proposal to grant Canada associate membership status, stating that closer ties with Europe would prevent any country from controlling Canada's markets or undermining its sovereignty. The proposal was unveiled by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with the aim of creating a deeper economic, security, and political relationship between Canada and the EU.
Carney emphasized that this association would reduce Canada's dependence on the United States, which has a 70% share of Canada's exports, and make both countries less vulnerable to economic and geopolitical pressure.
Carney outlined a plan for deeper integration across various sectors, including trade, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space, research, and financial services, in order to enhance resilience against external pressures. He stressed that Canada seeks resilience and not dominance, and is committed to maintaining sovereignty and freedoms.
The Canadian Prime Minister received a warm welcome from EU lawmakers during his address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The proposal will be further discussed during a summit between EU leaders and Canada in Montreal on October 29-30.
Written by urgent.news from Khaosod English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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