Canada in a bold move against the US: proposes to join the European Union as an associate member

Canada is exploring joining the European Union as an associate member, a move aimed at deepening economic and strategic ties with Europe amid the escalating trade war with the US. Prime Minister Mark Carney is promoting cooperation in energy, artificial intelligence, chips, and security, along with the possibility of free movement of workers.

Canada is exploring an unprecedented step: joining the European Union as an associate member, amid the escalating trade war with the US. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Prime Minister Mark Carney is promoting an ambitious move to deepen ties with Europe, beyond an existing free trade agreement. The goal is to integrate into the European market valued at $21 trillion, primarily in strategic areas: energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, chips, and security. Among the ideas being considered: free movement of goods, services, and workers, and the possibility for Canadians to live and work in Europe without a visa. Also being examined are shared infrastructures such as undersea communication cables and data centers, to reduce dependence on American technology companies. In the energy sector, Carney is promoting pipelines to redirect Canadian gas to Europe instead of through the US. The move comes after President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on imports from Canada, and Carney responded with similar tariffs. However, obstacles exist: closer ties may require adopting European regulations, accepting workers from the Union, and contributing to its budget. The European economy, growing slower than the American one, is not an easy substitute for the US market. Ten countries in the Union have yet to approve a previous trade agreement with Canada, and European officials fear the move is a bargaining chip in negotiations with Washington. Carney is expected to present his vision before the European Parliament.