Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced his goal to finalize an agreement with the European Union by June, establishing Canada as the EU's first "associate member". This proposed arrangement would give Canada a close relationship with the EU, short of full membership, and is part of a new partnership focused on trade, technology, defense, and energy.
The partnership, launched at a two-day Canada-EU summit in Montreal, includes over 20 initiatives, such as a digital trade deal and expanded cooperation on critical minerals. Carney plans to attend European Council meetings in June to work towards an agreement on the "substance, scale and scope" of associate membership.
The effort to strengthen ties with the EU comes as relations between Canada and the US have deteriorated, particularly over trade issues and President Donald Trump's comments on Canada's independence. Carney's push for associate membership is seen as a way to counterbalance US influence and assert Canada's sovereignty.