Carney Backs EU Associate Membership Idea, After Trump Calls It 'Laughable'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed the prospect of Canada becoming the European Union's first associate member, calling for “deep cooperation” between Canada and Europe to help secure their mutual sovereignty, according to The Guardian.

Carney made the remarks in an address to the European parliament in Strasbourg, days after US President Donald Trump described the proposed arrangement as “laughable.”

According to The Guardian, Carney cited polling showing that an overwhelming majority of Canadians support significantly closer ties with Europe. “Canada welcomes this idea,” Carney said, referring to a pitch from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that Canada become the EU's first associate member.

The proposal, as reported, would mark a notable step in EU-Canada relations, though further details on the scope and mechanics of associate membership were not specified in the available reporting.

Trump's dismissal of the idea as “laughable” was not elaborated on in the source material, and the White House's broader position on the matter was not detailed.

The Guardian's report did not provide additional specifics on the timeline for any formal agreement or the next steps expected from EU or Canadian officials.