Canada and EU should ally to protect democracies, Carney says, after 'associate member' proposal angers Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged deeper cooperation between Canada and the European Union on Thursday, stating that both jurisdictions need to align closely to protect open markets, democratic institutions, and the international rule of law amid intensifying pressure from global superpowers.

Carney's remarks follow an initiative presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposing that Canada be granted a historic 'associate member' status within the bloc. The proposal aims to deepen trade, regulatory alignment, and technological cooperation across the Atlantic.

However, the associate membership proposal triggered a fierce reaction from US President Donald Trump, who threatened severe tariffs against European exports and trade restrictions. Despite Washington's objections, European and Canadian leaders maintain that diversified multilateral partnerships are necessary to withstand rising global trade volatility.