Mark Carney proposes a historic reorientation of the country toward "associate member" status in the European Union, following the trade rupture with the US

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is holding private talks with European leaders on an unprecedented rapprochement between Canada and the European Union, following the failure of trade negotiations with the United States and the outbreak of a bilateral trade war, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Ottawa is proposing the creation of an unofficial status of “associate member of the EU,” which would give Canada expanded access to the European single market and enable cooperation in strategic areas. The plan covers energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, semiconductors, defense, research, data infrastructure, and satellite communications. The possible elimination of work visa and residency requirements for Canadians, participation in programs such as Erasmus, and the construction of transatlantic undersea cables are also being examined.

The rapprochement has already been reflected in economic and military contracts, including the purchase of German submarines worth 25 billion dollars. Canada also wants to redirect its energy resources toward Europe and reduce its dependence on American technology and weaponry.

The initiative nevertheless faces significant obstacles. Approximately two-thirds of Canada’s exports go to the United States, while the European economy is growing more slowly. In addition, the CETA trade agreement has not been ratified by ten member states, and the transfer of certain powers to Brussels could fuel political tensions in Alberta and Quebec.