Istanbul (ANTARA) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated\nthat his country is preparing to open talks with the European Union\nregarding a new, closer form of partnership, though he emphasised that\nOttawa does not intend to become an EU member.<\/p>\n
Speaking in Toronto on Sunday night, Carney said his government is\nexploring a \u201cunique alliance\u201d with the 27-nation bloc based on shared\nvalues, common priorities, and complementary economic strengths.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do not want to be members of the European Union,\u201d said Carney\nwhile attending the Toronto International Film Festival.<\/p>\n
Instead, he stated that Canada wishes to explore arrangements that\ncould significantly strengthen economic, political, and strategic ties\nwith Europe.<\/p>\n
Carney\u2019s statement follows a report by the Wall Street Journal\nsuggesting his government is examining various ambitious ways to deepen\nrelations with the EU without pursuing full membership.<\/p>\n
The report noted that Carney has asked his team to explore several\noptions, which could include \u201cassociate member\u201d status.<\/p>\n
This possibility immediately drew criticism from Conservative Party\nLeader Pierre Poilievre, who accused the Prime Minister of\nmisunderstanding the country\u2019s position.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will NEVER become the 51st US state. And we will NEVER become the\n28th EU state,\u201d Poilievre stated in a social media post.<\/p>\n
A senior Canadian government official, speaking to CBC on condition\nof anonymity, confirmed that Canada has held talks to strengthen its\nrelationship with Europe.<\/p>\n
The official emphasised that Canada is not considering surrendering\nits sovereignty in exchange for greater access to European markets.<\/p>\n
Instead, the government is focusing on the benefits of a closer\nrelationship for Canadian citizens, including potential economic and\nstrategic advantages.<\/p>\n
The official also noted that \u201cassociate member\u201d status is merely one\nof several ideas being considered and is not a formal proposal from\nCanada.<\/p>\n
Carney is expected to further outline his vision for Canada\u2019s\nrelationship with Europe during a speech at the European Parliament this\nweek.<\/p>\n
This initiative comes as Canada seeks to expand its international\neconomic partnerships and strengthen ties with allied nations amidst\nincreasing uncertainty in relations with the United States.<\/p>\n
For the Carney administration, the proposed alliance could serve as\nan effort to position Canada more strongly between two major economic\nblocs while maintaining its political independence.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/canada-prepares-new-partnership-with-eu-not-membership-1789387754", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }