By Benson Daniel
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for deeper cooperation between Canada and the European Union, proposing closer ties in trade, energy, defence, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.
Speaking to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday, Carney backed the idea of Canada becoming the EU’s first associate member, following a proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He said closer relations could strengthen economic resilience and strategic cooperation between Canada and Europe.
Carney said Canada and the EU should build on existing economic and political relationships while expanding cooperation into areas considered strategically important to both sides. He highlighted critical minerals, artificial intelligence, digital trade, energy security and defence as sectors where stronger partnerships could deliver mutual benefits.
The Canadian leader also pointed to his country’s ability to contribute to Europe’s energy security through supplies of liquefied natural gas and hydrogen, as well as cooperation on infrastructure. He argued that closer economic links would give both sides greater resilience at a time of growing geopolitical and trade uncertainty.
Canada and the EU already have a major trade relationship through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, while their cooperation has expanded into security and defence. Canada has also become the first non-European participant in the EU’s SAFE defence procurement programme.
The proposed associate-member arrangement would go beyond the existing trade relationship, although its exact structure remains to be developed. Carney made clear that Canada was not seeking full EU membership, while suggesting that closer institutional links could cover areas including youth mobility, education, research and technology.
The initiative comes as Canada seeks to broaden its international economic relationships and strengthen ties with partners outside its traditional dependence on the United States. For the EU, closer links with Canada could provide additional access to energy, raw materials and strategic capabilities.
The proposal has also emerged against a backdrop of renewed trade tensions involving Washington. US President Donald Trump has warned that the EU could face tariffs or restrictions if the Canada associate-membership proposal is treated as hostile to the United States. The EU has rejected the suggestion that the initiative is directed against another country.
Carney nevertheless presented closer Canada-EU cooperation as a partnership aimed at strengthening resilience, sovereignty and economic security rather than creating a rival bloc. He said both sides could benefit from working together while maintaining their respective independence.
The proposed arrangement will require further negotiations, and its details would have to be considered through the relevant Canadian and European processes. For businesses, however, deeper cooperation could eventually create opportunities for expanded trade, investment and supply-chain partnerships across the Atlantic.
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