Mark Carney says EU-Canada ties are "unique security and economic alliance"

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pushed back after President Donald Trump warned the European Union against giving Canada associate membership. In an address to EU legislators in Strasbourg, Carney praised the EU's offer and said the two sides do better together, without referring to Trump; he also said tariffs served as a pressure tactic. Trump dismissed the idea as absurd and called it an unfriendly action, threatening extra tariffs and saying the U.S. could halt much trade with Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the proposal, which would establish a closer arrangement on trade and strategy while stopping short of full membership. The move arrives as Ottawa and Washington are engaged in a widening trade fight. Carney has previously promoted closer Canada-Europe ties while keeping Ottawa autonomous from both Washington and Brussels.