Carney Says Canada Will Choose Its Own Partnerships After Trump Calls EU Membership Idea 'Laughable'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will determine its own international partnerships, according to a report from CNBC, after U.S. President Donald Trump described a proposal for Canada to become the European Union's first associate member as "laughable."

The proposal, which CNBC reported had been under discussion, would have made Canada the first country to hold associate membership status with the EU, a designation that does not exist under current EU treaties but has been floated as a potential new category of partnership.

Trump's comments came in response to the idea, which he characterized dismissively, according to CNBC's report. The U.S. president did not elaborate further on his objections in the excerpt of remarks cited by the outlet.

Carney, responding to Trump's remarks, said Canada would make its own decisions regarding partnerships with other countries and blocs, CNBC reported, signaling that Ottawa intends to pursue its foreign policy and trade relationships independently of Washington's preferences.

CNBC's report did not provide additional detail on the origins of the associate membership proposal, its current status within EU institutions, or whether formal talks between Canada and the EU on the matter are ongoing. Neither the EU nor the White House provided additional comment in the material reviewed.