Mark Carney says "not in a position, nor seeking, to become a full member of the European Union"

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has addressed EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's ambition to make Canada the bloc's first associate member, saying Ottawa's aims stop short of complete EU accession. He told reporters the plan is not meant to create a rival power center or to dominate others. At the European Parliament, Carney urged closer Canada-EU alignment amid geopolitical strain, citing US trade tensions after President Donald Trump's tariffs and failed trade talks. He listed AI, critical minerals, defense, energy security and space as possible cooperation areas, and said he wants Canada to move toward Erasmus Plus. Associate membership does not currently exist and could take years, requiring unanimous approval if added to EU treaties; some member states prefer existing trade and defense arrangements. Trump has called the prospect laughable and threatened more tariffs.