Carney Responds to Trump on Canada-EU Relationship

STRASBOURG — Canada’s relationship with the European Union is improving, and Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Ottawa will not abandon this relationship despite threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney made these comments on Thursday following Trump's warning of potential "serious tariffs" on the EU if Canada pursued associate membership, a concept introduced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union address on Wednesday. Carney remarked, "This alliance is a positive process. That’s my response to the American president," during a press conference after addressing the European Parliament. He emphasized that a stronger Canada would be a more effective partner for the United States. Carney also noted that Canadians are united in their stance that no one will dictate their language or culture, referencing reports of White House attempts to influence the French language used in Quebec. He stated, "No one is going to dictate our culture, or with whom we can strike agreements." Von der Leyen’s proposal for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member surprised many, including officials in Ottawa. Carney acknowledged this in his speech, commending von der Leyen for her ambition. When asked about the terminology of the new EU-Canada relationship, he indicated that the specific terms used are less important than the substance of the agreements being formed.