‘The most European of non-European countries’: Canada looks to become an ‘associate member’ of the EU as ‘economic pressure’ from the U.S. looms

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described Canada as "the most European of non-European countries" during the start of the Trump administration's trade war. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have hosted a summit in Montreal to deepen trade, defense, and economic ties between Canada and the EU.

They aim to reduce dependence on the United States in a shifting global landscape. Von der Leyen warned that economic relationships, once stability sources, are now being used for pressure, highlighting the impact on families and national sovereignty. Canada's proposed EU "associate member" status faces resistance, with some EU member states questioning the designation.

Von der Leyen emphasized the arrangement would deepen cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence, energy, defense, and trade, while Carney declared the partnership would enhance Canadian independence and sovereignty. The summit plans to establish an "Alliance for the Future," a framework for cooperation on trade, defense, critical minerals, technology, and research.

Canada and the EU are navigating a changing global order, with Canada already participating in the EU's 150-billion-euro SAFE defense procurement program.