Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the European Parliament on Thursday, delivering a speech focused on Canada and the European Union's shared security and economic interests. Speaking in English, French, and German, Carney praised European culture and the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights, which he said Canada shares.

Carney is seeking to strengthen ties with the EU amid a growing rift with the US under Donald Trump. He said Canada and the EU are stronger together. "We are not fair-weather allies. We do not pursue zero-sum deals," he told the chamber, to applause.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday that the EU was willing to make Canada its first-ever "associate member." This comes as the EU and Canada look to strengthen their ties amid a growing rift between Canada and its southern neighbor and main trading partner, the US.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday slammed the EU's plans to make Canada an associate member. "If they do that, if I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things," Trump told reporters. He also described the prospect of Canada joining the EU as "laughable."

Ties between Canada and the US have plummeted since Trump began his second term in January 2025. He has targeted Canada with tariffs and suggested that the US could annex Canada as its 51st state. Trump has also referred to Carney, as well as his predecessor as prime minister, Justin Trudeau, as the "governor" of Canada.

Source: www.dw.com