The European Commission has pitched a new partnership that would integrate Canada's economy and security with the 27 nation bloc. President Ursula von der Leyen proposed creating a new associate membership status for Canada to bind the country closer to the EU's single market, a move welcomed by Prime Minister Mark Carney in an address to the European Parliament. Carney proposed a functional alliance to secure strategic autonomy in areas including critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and defense industrial capacity.

U.S. President Donald Trump called the potential arrangement a hostile act and threatened serious tariffs or a trade halt with Europe if the bid proceeds. The proposed status is not currently defined in EU treaties and would require a vote in the Canadian Parliament. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez endorsed the plans on Sept. 17, while EU spokespeople stated the deal is not aimed at any other nation.