# Canada eyes EU 'associate membership' but faces long odds

> Prime Minister Mark Carney pitched closer ties with Europe, but the deal faces major hurdles and US opposition.
- Title: Canada eyes EU 'associate membership' but faces long odds
- Summary: Prime Minister Mark Carney pitched closer ties with Europe, but the deal faces major hurdles and US opposition. Canada is exploring a new form of partnership…
- Keywords: canada, european union, mark carney, associate membership, ursula von der leyen, trade, us tariffs, donald trump, strategic autonomy, multilateral governance, news, world
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crlyqg1ekj4po
- Published: 2026-09-17T16:59:43.847+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: canada, european union, mark carney, associate membership, ursula von der leyen, trade, us tariffs, donald trump, strategic autonomy, multilateral governance, news, world
## Canada pitches EU partnership
Prime Minister Mark Carney responded warmly to an invitation from EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to become the EU's first associate member, emphasizing deeper cooperation on energy, defence, and technology.

> Canada and Europe should secure our strategic autonomy through deep cooperation in the full range of strategic capabilities.
## Why Canada wants closer EU ties
Canada and the EU both feel squeezed by superpowers USA and China, plus tech giants operating globally. Carney argued like-minded nations should unite to create new forms of multilateral governance and close capability gaps.

> We do not pursue zero sum deals.
## Trump threatens retaliation
Donald Trump dismissed the proposal, threatened 'very heavy tariffs' if it proceeds, and warned he may view it as a 'hostile act'. The US president is ironically the matchmaker for this EU-Canada alliance.
## US trade tensions fuel the shift
Canada is in an escalating trade war with the White House over tariffs. Both Canada and the EU worry the US is becoming an unpredictable partner on security and defence, pushing them to seek alternatives.
## Other allies also seeking shelter
Canada is not alone. Japan and South Korea are also interested in closer EU ties. The EU has been securing trade deals with India, Indonesia, and Japan to intentionally diversify relationships beyond the US.
## Major obstacles remain
Any deal requires approval from all 27 EU member states. No legal precedent exists, negotiations would be lengthy, and conflicts of interest loom. France and others worry non-members could get 'too good' a deal.
## EU under pressure to adapt
The normally rigid rules-based EU is facing serious pressure to show flexibility. A May proposal to make Ukraine an associate member was rejected, but the bloc may need to evolve to accommodate countries seeking closer ties.
## Key takeaway

Canada is exploring a new form of partnership with the EU to counter pressure from the US and China, but any deal requires approval from all 27 EU member states and has no legal precedent.