Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has responded positively to a proposal for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member, despite Canada being ineligible for full membership because it is outside Europe. The idea would deepen cooperation on trade, energy, critical materials, technology, education, artificial intelligence and defence, as Canada and the EU seek greater strategic independence from the United States and China.

Canada and the EU already have the Ceta trade agreement, but associate membership would require approval from all 27 EU countries and has no legal precedent. Donald Trump has threatened “very heavy tariffs” and called the proposal potentially hostile, while supporters argue it could strengthen multilateral cooperation; however, lengthy negotiations, disagreements over issues such as steel tariffs and concerns about giving non-members excessive influence could prevent it from happening.