Canada rules out EU membership, eyes unique alliance

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Ottawa wants to build a “unique alliance” with the European Union but has no plans to join the bloc as a member.

Carney’s comments came after reports suggested Canada and the EU were exploring the possibility of creating a new form of associate membership that could give Ottawa closer economic and strategic ties with Europe.

“We’re not looking to become a member of the European Union,” Carney said, while confirming that Canada would begin discussions on developing a stronger partnership with the bloc.

He said Canada and the EU share common values and priorities and have complementary economic and strategic strengths. The proposed cooperation could cover areas including energy, artificial intelligence, defence and critical minerals.

Reports indicate that Ottawa and Brussels are also considering arrangements that could make it easier for goods, services and workers involved in strategic supply chains to move between Canada and European markets.

The two sides are further discussing potential cooperation on underwater cables, data centres, cloud infrastructure and satellite networks, as well as projects aimed at improving the transportation of Canadian energy to Europe.

Carney is expected to travel to Europe next week, where he will address the European Parliament in Strasbourg and attend European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the European Union address. He is also scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron.

The proposed closer relationship comes as Canada faces increasingly strained ties with the United States. Relations between Ottawa and Washington have deteriorated over trade disputes, with tariffs affecting billions of dollars in cross-border commerce.

US President Donald Trump has continued to criticise Canada while indicating that Washington remains interested in reaching a trade agreement. He has also threatened additional tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks and auto parts.

For Canada, strengthening ties with Europe could provide an alternative avenue for trade and investment as uncertainty grows around its relationship with its largest trading partner.

However, establishing a new form of partnership with the EU could face political and legal hurdles. Even the existing Canada-EU trade agreement has encountered resistance, with some European countries yet to complete the ratification process.