By Frankie Sanchez
Staff Writer
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of her wish “...to work with you on opening the door for Canada being the first associate member of the EU,” during her annual State of the Union address in France on Sept. 16, according to ABC News.
The meaning of “associate” member status is uncertain, according to ABC News. No such position or status currently exists within the framework of the European Union.
Despite the offer’s vagueness and what such a deal would mean in practice, The Associated Press wrote that the move and the welcome reception it received from Carney shows a dedicated push from Canada to have closer economic ties with Europe over the United States.
The consistent hostility perceived by Canada on the part of the United States has contributed to this effort from the Canadian government to be less dependent on the United States in terms of trade.
“Trump’s tariffs, demands for economic concessions, and repeated talk of making Canada the 51st state have pushed Ottawa to reduce its dependence on its neighbor and seek a far deeper economic, security and political relationship with Europe,” The Associated Press reported.
Prime Minister Carney spoke to the European Union on Sept. 17 and outlined what this associate status may mean for Canada-EU relations.
The Associated Press wrote that Carney outlined “...deeper integration across trade, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space, research and financial services to make both sides less vulnerable to economic and geopolitical pressure.” However, Carney made it clear he did not seek full EU membership.
The Trump Administration did not view these events positively. In response to the news, Politico reported that Trump had called the potential alliance "laughable.” He also threatened Canada with new tariffs if they sought more integration with Europe.
President Trump told reporters that, “Canada’s been a terrible trade partner,” and “If I think it’s at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things…”
Trade talks between the United States and Canada have been increasingly hostile since President Trump took office, and relations on trade have only deteriorated, The Associated Press reported.
Trade negotiations between Canada and the United States have been strained in recent months as the United States recently imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion dollars worth of Canadian goods.
Carney has suggested a new kind of economic relationship between the United States and Canada. The Associated Press reported that during a speech before potential investors at the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, Carney spoke on the current U.S.-Canada relationship.
“And to our American friends, let me say this. We will always be neighbors,” Carney said. He added that the relationship between the two works when both nations act as, “True partners that respect each other's traditions and sovereignty.”
