Canada moves to strengthen EU ties while keeping its vital U.S. partnership intact
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Prime Minister Mark Carney told Deutsche Welle that Canada wants to broaden trade and research links with the EU, describing the proposed “associate membership” as the closest possible partnership without full EU accession, while stressing that ties with the United States remain essential.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada has recognized an over-reliance on its southern neighbour and is working to broaden economic and research links with the European Union. Speaking after a meeting in Montreal with EU officials, Carney described the goal of an "associate membership" – a status not held by any other country – as the closest possible partnership for a non-European nation.
"The lesson we've taken, Canadians as a whole, is we're overdependent on the United States. Too closely connected to the United States. And we need to build our strength here at home and diversify and deepen our partnerships with like-minded countries internationally," Carney told DW.
The EU delegation, led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, discussed the details of the proposed arrangement. Carney said the terminology is less important than the substance of the partnership and the practical benefits it could bring.
"Well, I think the advantage of what we're doing is that a few things are absolutely clear, irrespective of the exact terminology that's used. President von der Leyen uses associated membership. We use associated membership. What does that mean? It means the closest possible partnership without being a full member of the European Union, because Canada is not in Europe geographically and therefore cannot have accession," he explained.
Carney emphasized that the initiative is not intended to replace ties with the United States, noting that both countries remain close NATO allies and major trading partners, and that responsible governments should preserve those links.
"We're both partners of the United States, obviously close partners, alliance partners in NATO. And there are many, many opportunities for cooperation with the United States. But in many cases, there'll be much deeper cooperation for Canada between Canada and Europe than Canada and the United States," he said.
He highlighted existing collaborations such as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), research programmes like Horizon Europe and student exchanges under Erasmus+, and identified future areas for expansion, including space technology, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.
Carney acknowledged ongoing trade tensions with the United States but argued that the long-standing bond between the two peoples would endure regardless of political disputes.
"The bonds between Canadians and Americans are longstanding. They're very strong. And big elements of that will be maintained regardless of the government in Canada, the government in the United States, the combination of the two," he said.
He urged a direct and clear approach in dealings with President Donald Trump, stressing respect, firmness and a focus on core national interests in negotiations.
"To be direct, to be clear, to be absolutely clear about your bottom lines are," Carney said.
Carney concluded that the proposed EU-Canada association is a positive step aimed at solving global challenges rather than targeting any specific country or turning away from productive cooperation.
"It's not against somebody. It's for. It's a positive act," he added.
The interview was conducted by DW journalist Katharina Kroll in Montreal.