Canada Welcomes Proposal to Become EU’s First Associate Member; Trump Issues Stern Warning

News Summary: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed the proposal for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member, describing it as an alliance founded on democracy and shared values. Carney emphasized the need for deeper cooperation between Canada and Europe in critical areas such as minerals, defense, artificial intelligence, energy, space, and payment systems. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose heavy tariffs or halt trade with Europe if the proposal moves forward.

September 18, Kathmandu: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for the possibility of Canada becoming the European Union (EU)’s first associate member. He stated that such an alliance aims to uphold democracy and is not intended to assert dominance over others. Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Carney endorsed the ambitious proposal put forth by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to grant Canada associate membership.

Amid applause from European parliamentarians, Carney remarked, “We are not just partners in prosperity. We do not pursue zero-sum agreements. We uphold shared values that we have always fought for and must remain vigilant to defend.” He added, “Canada and Europe are strong in their own right, but together, we become even stronger.”

“I am not proposing a third bloc to rival the great powers,” he clarified. “We are not seeking power to dominate others. On the contrary, we seek an elevated partnership that prevents anyone from controlling our open markets, undermining sovereignty, threatening territorial integrity, or ignoring our freedom, democracy, and rule of law.”

Canada’s Proposal to Enhance Cooperation

Carney outlined areas where Canada wishes to deepen collaboration with Europe. He said, “Canada and Europe must secure our strategic autonomy through comprehensive cooperation across critical sectors including key minerals, defense industrial capacity, artificial intelligence and computing, energy security, space, and payment systems.” He called for advancing towards seamless digital trade between the EU and Canada and enabling youth from both sides of the Atlantic to work and study across regions.

Trump’s Displeasure and Warning

In light of intense competition and pressure from the Trump administration as well as the rise of assertive China, the EU and Canada face various challenges. Late Wednesday, US President Donald Trump threatened severe measures should the proposal for Canadian associate EU membership proceed. Dismissing the plan as “ridiculous,” Trump told reporters, “If they do this and I perceive it as a hostile act, I will impose very serious tariffs or stop a lot of trade with Europe.”

He continued, “If it is done with good intentions, that’s fine. But if done with bad intentions, we will impose very heavy tariffs on Europe.”

European Commission Clarifies Intent

Meanwhile, the European Commission has clarified that von der Leyen’s proposal is not a hostile action. The plan is still in the developmental stage and requires approval from EU member states before moving forward. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill stated, “As our President made clear yesterday, the proposal to strengthen partnership with Canada is not against anyone but for our shared strength.”

(With contributions from agencies)