Canada and the EU are expected to discuss the details at a summit in October|@MarkJCarney|X
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the bloc’s first associate member, allowing deeper cooperation without requiring full EU membership.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the proposal as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s sovereignty and reduce reliance on the US, which takes about 70% of Canada’s exports.
The potential partnership could extend across defense, energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, technology, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. Canada has already joined the EU’s $173 billion SAFE defense program, becoming its first non-European participant.
President Donald Trump criticized the idea, calling it potentially a “hostile act” and warning that Washington could impose additional tariffs on Europe. He also signed an order on Wednesday restricting federal purchases of Canadian goods.
Canada and the EU are expected to discuss the details at a summit in October. Associate membership would be unprecedented, so its structure, approval process, and timeline remain unclear.