From BBC News · · 2m
Canada pitches UK on new Europe alliance
As Canada explores closer ties with the EU, its finance minister urges the UK to join a new economic partnership shaped by shifting global power.
In brief
As Canada explores closer ties with the EU, its finance minister urges the UK to join a new economic partnership shaped by shifting global power. Canada is building an alternative economic alliance with Europe and wants the UK to join, driven by tensions with the US and a desire for greater sovereignty. Originally…
Canada pitches UK on new alliance
Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne told the BBC the UK should join a proposed economic alliance between Canada and Europe. He said shared values make the two countries natural partners.
“Why don't we team up?”
EU offers Canada associate status
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed giving Canada an unprecedented associate EU membership. This would allow Canadians access to EU university, research, AI and defence funding schemes.
World has changed, Champagne says
Champagne told the BBC that America has changed and the world needs to change with it. He framed the alliance as a response to new global realities and the need for independent nations to work together.
“The world has changed. America has changed. So we need to change.”
Canada stands firm in US trade war
After trade talks with the US collapsed in August, Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs. Champagne said Canada had to stand up for its industries and workers, and would not back down.
“We stood up for our industries, our workers, our country.”
Trump threatens more tariffs
President Trump has called the Canada-EU alliance plan laughable and threatened additional tariffs if it proceeds. He also labelled Canada a terrible trading partner.
Carney seeks to diversify Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney, the former Bank of England governor, is using the trade war as a golden opportunity to build new partnerships and reduce dependence on the US market.
UK faces post-Brexit positioning choice
The Canada-EU alliance raises questions about the UK's position with both Europe and the US after Brexit. Prime Minister Andy Burnham met Carney in Liverpool during his EU trip.
Alliance model for like-minded nations
Canada and the EU see associate membership as a template for other nations that might never become full members, such as Australia. The model allows participation in specific schemes without full integration.
What matters most
Canada is building an alternative economic alliance with Europe and wants the UK to join, driven by tensions with the US and a desire for greater sovereignty.
