Canada outlines cooperation areas with EU but stops short of endorsing associate-member proposal

Prime Minister Justin Carney addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg, saying Canada is interested in deeper ties with the European Union but did not give full endorsement to President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal for an “associate member” status. Carney highlighted sectors where Canada seeks collaboration, including critical minerals, defence, artificial intelligence, energy security and space, and called for smoother digital trade in non-agricultural goods and services as well as Canadian participation in the EU’s Erasmus+ student-exchange programme.

"We welcome this ambition," Carney said, noting that polls show strong public support for closer EU-Canada relations.

He added that any move toward an “Alliance for the Future” would be debated in Canada’s parliament and subject to a vote, with the House of Commons returning from summer recess on Monday. Carney indicated that more detailed discussions are slated for the EU-Canada summit in Montreal later in October.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said Ottawa seeks additional guarantees on trade, emphasizing the need to keep markets open and align industrial policies, especially in sectors vulnerable to tariffs. Ambassador-designate to the EU Jonathan Wilkinson said the upcoming summit aims to produce concrete action items for the next year.

The associate-member idea, which has no precedent in EU law and was introduced without prior consultation with member states, has generated discussion in both Brussels and Ottawa, while U.S. President Donald Trump warned of possible tariff responses if Canada deepens its EU ties.