Canada and EU Strengthen Partnership Amid Tensions with US

Washington (ANTARA) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, on Thursday (17/9), highlighted the “positive” aspect of Canada’s approach to strengthening relations with the European Union, following US President Donald Trump’s threat to halt all trade with Europe if Ottawa becomes an associate member of the bloc.

On Wednesday (16/9), the US leader threatened to cease trade with the European Union if Canada joins the EU as an associate member and if the process is carried out “in bad faith”. He characterised such a move as an entirely hostile action.

“I will only observe. This is a positive initiative. It is a big and positive step. It is about building something for society, creating opportunities. Think of the opportunities for people in Europe and Canada,” said Carney.

The Canadian Prime Minister stated that the goal of deepening Canada’s partnership with the European Union is to create a better future for Canadian and European citizens, rather than acting as a “reaction” to external pressures.

In her State of the Union address to the European Parliament on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated there are plans to make Canada the European Union’s first “associate member”. The State of the Union is the annual address by the President of the European Commission to the European Parliament regarding the condition, challenges, and policy direction of the EU.

Ursula von der Leyen also noted that both parties will elevate their relationship from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) towards a higher level of partnership.

The Canadian government is seeking to diversify its international trade partnerships amidst ongoing trade disputes with the United States.

At the end of August, Carney indicated that Canada and the European Union would hold intensive talks during the autumn to strengthen economic and security partnerships.