Canada seeks a "single union" with the EU, not membership, says Prime Minister Mark Carney
Carney says Ottawa will open talks on a close political and economic alignment with the European Union, while denying a formal accession bid.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is seeking a "single union" with the European Union, but is not asking to join the bloc, framing the proposal as a way to deepen transatlantic cooperation amid rising tensions with the United States.
Carney made the remarks after reports that European officials are open to a concept of Canada becoming an "associate member" of the EU. He said Ottawa will open talks on the idea while stressing it would fall short of full membership.
Planned visits and diplomatic push
This week Carney is due to travel to the United Kingdom and France and is scheduled to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He told reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival that Canada does not intend to request formal accession to the EU.
"What we are seeking — and will begin talks about — is a single union with the European Union," Carney said, framing the proposal as a closer political and economic alignment designed to reinforce shared interests.
According to reports, Carney has instructed his special envoy for Europe to "explore the most ambitious possibilities that do not include full membership." He argued the step is timely as relations with the United States have deteriorated.
In recent weeks Canada and the United States have been engaged in an escalating trade dispute after bilateral negotiations collapsed at the end of August, a development Ottawa says makes stronger ties with like-minded partners more urgent.
Photo: EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL EDITORIAL USE ONLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY
