Carney: Canada seeks a 'unique alliance' with the European Union without joining it

Brussels (Reuters) – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country is seeking to establish a “unique alliance” with the European Union, but is not looking to join the bloc, following reports in The Wall Street Journal that he is considering the possibility of Canada becoming an “associate member” of the EU. The newspaper, citing unnamed EU and Canadian officials, said the bloc, which has not shown flexibility in the past regarding membership rules, is open to the idea of granting Canada a newly created associate membership status. Carney said, “We are not seeking to join the European Union.” Speaking to journalists at the Toronto International Film Festival, he added, “What we are seeking, and what we will begin discussions on, is a unique alliance between Canada and the European Union... We share the same values, have the same priorities, and possess highly complementary strengths.” Carney’s office confirmed that he will travel to France and Britain in the coming days, will address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, and will attend European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s speech on the state of the Union. The Globe and Mail reported that it was the European Union, not Carney, who proposed the title of “associate membership,” citing an unnamed source who said that any discussion about granting such a status in this relationship is premature. Spokespeople for the European Commission had not yet responded to requests for comment, but the European Parliament announced it would open a branch office in Ottawa, stating that this step “underscores the European Parliament’s commitment to strengthening political dialogue and cooperation with Canada.”