Carney Backs Canada as EU's First Associate Member Amid Trump Tariff Threats
During a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for the EU's initiative to designate Canada as its first associate member. He highlighted the importance of obtaining parliamentary consent and presented a collaborative agenda focusing on critical minerals, defense, artificial intelligence, energy security, and digital trade. Carney cautioned against the potential misuse of economic integration, subtly alluding to President Donald Trump, who had labeled Canada a "terrible trade partner" and threatened tariffs on the EU. The associate membership proposal, introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, would require new design and approval from member states, building upon the CETA trade agreement.
Key facts
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday
- Carney welcomed the EU's offer to make Canada its first associate member
- Carney said any arrangement would require debates and a vote in the Canadian Parliament
- His agenda covered critical minerals, defense-industrial capacity, AI and computing, energy security, and space
- Carney said tariffs are being used as a means of pressure and economic integration is being weaponised
- Donald Trump called Canada a "terrible trade partner" and the prospect "laughable," threatening heavy tariffs on the EU
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the associate membership on Wednesday
- Associate membership has no basis in EU treaties and would need approval by member states
- CETA eliminated 99% of tariff lines when it began provisional application in 2017
- Canada was the first non-European nation admitted to the EU's 150-billion-euro SAFE defense program earlier this year
Entities
Artists
- Mark Carney
- Donald Trump
- Ursula von der Leyen
Institutions
- European Union
- European Parliament
- European Commission
- Canadian Parliament
- CNBC
- SAFE
Locations
- Canada
- Strasbourg
- France
- Europe
- United States
Sources
- Quartz —
- SCMP Culture —
- SCMP Culture —