Canada Welcomes EU Proposal for 'Associate Member' Status Despite Trump Tariff Threat

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed a proposal from the European Union that would make Canada the bloc's first "associate member," according to the Guardian, despite threats from US President Donald Trump over the plan.

Trump said Washington could impose "very serious tariffs" on the EU or halt trade with the bloc if it proceeded with the arrangement with Canada, the report said.

In a speech to the European Parliament described as defiant, Carney called for "deep cooperation" between Canada and Europe, according to the Guardian.

Carney cited polling showing that an overwhelming majority of Canadians support closer ties with Europe, the report said.

The Guardian's Europe correspondent Jon Henley discussed the developments in an interview with Lucy Hough, the outlet reported.

Details of the proposed associate membership arrangement, including its scope and timeline, were not specified in the available reporting.