Carney courts Europe in Strasbourg

Canadian PM Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament as a guest of honor, welcoming Canada's prospect as an E.U. associate member just hours after Trump called the idea laughable.

“Europe and Canada are stronger together”

Trump dismisses the proposal

Trump called the E.U.-Canada plan laughable and threatened very serious tariffs if the bloc moves forward, warning of heavy economic punishment.

“If it's a bad intention, we'll put very heavy tariffs on Europe.”

Canada faces trade war pressure

Canada's retaliatory tariffs came into effect last week after negotiations with the U.S. collapsed, as Trump repeatedly threatened Canadian sovereignty and called for making it the 51st state.

Carney condemns economic weaponization

Speaking to European lawmakers, Carney criticized how economic integration and tariffs are being weaponized, and said financial mechanisms have been used for coercion.

“Economic integration is now being weaponized, tariffs being used to exert pressure”

Canada seeks strategic autonomy

Carney outlined plans for deep cooperation with Europe on critical minerals, defense capacity, AI, energy security, space, and payments to avoid dependence on individual nations or companies.

Freedom of movement proposed

Carney hinted at potential freedom of movement between the E.U. and Canada that would allow youth to work, study, and live on either side of the Atlantic.

Carney meets British PM Burnham

During his European tour, Carney met with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool and attended a football match where their shared team Everton won against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Canada joins military coalition

Canada has formally applied to join the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a NATO military coalition of 10 North Atlantic member states launched in 2014.

Canada already in European defense

In February, Canada became the first non-European country to participate in the Security Action for Europe instrument, which provides up to 150 billion euros in low-interest loans for military equipment.

E.U. plans deeper partnership

The E.U. will work with member states to create a new form of association including economic ties, technology alliances, defense integration, and Arctic cooperation.

European lawmakers embrace the move

Spanish MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez called the associate membership politically significant, while Irish MEP Barry Andrews called it a win-win and urged democratic countries to stand together against Trump, Xi, and Putin.

Some oppose the decision process

French MEP Manon Aubry criticized the method, arguing that a decision of such magnitude cannot be made by the European Commission president alone.