Mark Carney says "the erosion of democratic norms" threatens EU‑Canada partnership

Canadian Finance Minister Mark Carney told the European Parliament that the European Union’s suggestion that Canada become its first “associate member” could deepen cooperation on defence, critical minerals and energy reliability, and that such a partnership would signal a model for other democracies. He framed the proposal as a response to challenges he described as climate change, weakening of democratic standards and the use of trade measures as political tools, noting that current U.S.–Canada tariff disputes have heightened tensions. Carney said the arrangement would not create a new power bloc but would enhance shared sovereignty, and he indicated that any formal agreement would require approval from all EU members and a vote in Canada’s parliament. The remarks came after EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the idea and U.S. President Donald Trump warned that he might impose heavy tariffs on Europe if he viewed the move as hostile.