Carney Welcomes Proposal for Canada to Become the European Union’s First Associate Member

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed a proposal from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to make Canada the EU’s first associate member. The initiative would expand cooperation in trade, defense, technology, energy, critical minerals, and economic security. Carney has advocated a closer relationship with Europe as tensions with Washington intensify under President Donald Trump. While the proposal has received political support, associate membership does not yet exist and would require negotiations among Canada, EU institutions, and member states