Carney welcomed the proposal for Canada to become the first 'associated member' of the European Union. Canada does not want to become a full EU member. Carney considers the final name of the new relationship less important than its substance. The as-yet nonexistent 'associated membership' therefore needs to be further developed.
Trade Conflicts
The rapprochement comes amid a trade conflict between Canada and the U.S. Trump has imposed higher import tariffs on Canada and threatened Europe with heavy trade measures on Wednesday as well. If the associated membership turns out to be a 'hostile act,' Trump could impose high import fines or suspend trade with Europe in various areas.
Carney was not deterred from his message. He did not mention Trump by name during his speech, but made it clear that Canada wants to be less vulnerable to economic pressure from other countries. According to him, Canada and Europe do not want to form a new power bloc nor seek to dominate other countries.
Promotion
Not Anti-USA
The Canadian prime minister emphasized that closer cooperation with Europe is not targeted against the U.S. or other countries. According to him, a stronger alliance with Europe would actually make Canada a better partner for the U.S. The European Commission also stated that the rapprochement with Canada is not directed against anyone else, but intended to strengthen both parties.
He clarified that Canada not only does not want to become the 51st state of the United States of America, but also not the 28th member of the EU.
On arrival at the European Parliament, Carney was warmly welcomed. Members of the European Parliament approached him to shake hands and take selfies. After his speech, he received a standing ovation. A day earlier, the proposal by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the new relationship with Canada had also been met with a standing ovation.
Trade and Defense
Carney wants to expand cooperation in areas important for the economic and political independence of Canada and Europe. He mentioned defense, critical raw materials, artificial intelligence, energy, space, and financial services among others. He also wants to further facilitate digital trade between Canada and the EU.
Steps have already been taken in the field of defense. As a non-European country, Canada participates in SAFE, the European program for joint purchases of military equipment. This allows Canadian companies to participate in joint tenders. Canada and the EU want to further strengthen their cooperation around the defense industry.
Economically, there is already a solid foundation for closer cooperation. Canada and the EU already have a comprehensive free trade agreement, although ten of the 27 EU countries have not yet ratified it. Carney also wants to expand cooperation around raw materials, energy, and technology and reduce economic dependence on other countries.
In the Making
The exact form of the associated membership has yet to be negotiated. The new status does not exist under current European rules and still needs to be developed by the EU countries. The EU countries and the European Parliament still need to approve this. Carney has also announced that the new cooperation will be discussed and ultimately voted on in the Canadian parliament.