Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged the 27-nation European Union to secure strategic autonomy with Canada on Thursday during a speech at the bloc's parliament. Carney welcomed a proposal to make Ottawa the first associate member of the EU, advocating for cooperation in critical minerals, defense, AI, and an integrated market for financial services. U.S. President Donald Trump described the prospect as laughable and threatened heavy tariffs or a halt in trade with Europe if the move is deemed a hostile act.

An EU spokesperson stated the partnership is designed for common strength and is not aimed at other nations. The push follows a trade conflict where Trump imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods, prompting Ottawa to seek strategic independence from the U.S. Carney noted the process is in its early stages and will require a debate and vote in the Canadian parliament, while some EU diplomats noted the proposed status lacks a clear definition.