STRASBOURG, France — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday embraced the prospect of his nation becoming the European Union’s first associate member, saying nearer ties with Europe had been meant to make sure no nation might management Canada’s markets, impair its sovereignty or undermine its freedoms.
The remarks got here after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the proposed arrangement might be a “hostile act” and threatened heavy tariffs on Europe if he judged its intentions to be unfriendly.
In a speech that repeatedly extolled cooperation between Europe and Canada, Carney instructed the European Parliament that he welcomed European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal, unveiled Wednesday.
He acknowledged that “affiliate membership” stays to be outlined and outlined what he was proposing: deeper Canada-Europe integration throughout commerce, protection, essential minerals, synthetic intelligence, vitality, house, analysis and monetary providers to make each side much less susceptible to financial and geopolitical stress.
“I’m not proposing a 3rd bloc in an effort to grow to be a great-power rival — solely with higher manners,” he stated. “We don’t search energy to dominate others.”
Carney stated the aim as a substitute is to construct Canada’s resilience in order that no nation can management its markets, undermine its sovereignty or dictate its decisions.
The prime minister acquired an ebullient welcome when he walked into the chamber, with many lawmakers approaching him to shake his hand and ask for selfies — and a standing ovation after he spoke. One parliamentarian had donned a Canadian hockey jersey.
For generations, Canada constructed its financial system round integration with the US. Trump’s tariffs, calls for for financial concessions and repeated speak of making Canada the 51st state have pushed Ottawa to scale back its dependence on the US and search a far deeper financial, safety and political relationship with Europe.
Von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU’s first affiliate member — a standing that doesn’t at present exist within the bloc’s treaties and must be created. She stated Europe needs to take its relationship with Canada to “the best stage potential.”
Carney, sitting within the entrance row of the European Parliament chamber, nodded and rose to embrace von der Leyen as lawmakers gave the proposal a standing ovation.
Von der Leyen stated Canada and the EU ought to transfer past their current free commerce settlement and create an “Alliance for the Future” encompassing a “widespread prosperity and financial safety house.”
Carney will host EU leaders for a Canada-EU summit in Montreal on Oct. 29-30, the place the 2 sides are anticipated to debate the proposed new relationship in additional element.
Canada sends roughly 70% of its exports to the US, making it extremely exposed to Trump’s tariffs. Ottawa has retaliated and rejected calls for Carney says threaten Canadian sovereignty. Europe took a distinct path, shelving retaliation and accepting tariffs of as much as 15% on most EU exports to the U.S.
Carney has repeatedly urged center powers to withstand that form of financial coercion. On the World Financial Discussion board in Davos in January, he warned that when international locations negotiate alone with a dominant energy, “we negotiate from weak spot. We settle for what is obtainable.”
Trump rebuked him the following day.
Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s ambassador-designate to the EU, stated Wednesday that Canada is just not in search of full EU membership as a result of that will require surrendering some sovereignty. As a substitute, Ottawa needs “to get as shut as we probably can” to Europe whereas rising Canada’s independence.
Precisely what affiliate membership would imply stays to be negotiated.
Canada has already taken a serious step. This yr it grew to become the primary non-European nation to hitch the EU’s 150-billion-euro ($173-billion) SAFE protection procurement program, giving Canadian firms entry to joint procurement as Europe will increase protection spending.
The 2 sides have additionally mentioned nearer cooperation on vitality, essential minerals, synthetic intelligence and digital commerce.
“The insurance policies and rhetoric of the Trump administration are clearly pushing each Canada and the EU to think about a world with out robust U.S. management and to behave accordingly,” stated Daniel Béland, a political-science professor at McGill College in Montreal.
Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus on the College of Toronto, stated Carney’s dealing with of Trump has heightened European curiosity within the Canadian chief.
“Carney’s shrewdness in coping with Trump has captured Europe’s consideration,” Wiseman stated.
Wiseman stated Europeans have lengthy regarded Canada as a rustic that understands the US significantly properly due to their deep financial and political ties. Carney’s willingness to withstand Trump somewhat than rapidly settle for Washington’s calls for has bolstered that notion, he stated.
Béland stated Carney might keep away from naming Trump on Thursday whereas leaving little doubt in regards to the goal of his broader argument.
“He is aware of that, past Europe, the world will probably be watching, together with the White Home,” Béland stated.
