Carney Welcomes EU Proposal for Canada to Become Associate Member

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that he welcomed a proposal from the European Union that would make Canada the bloc's first ever "associate member," according to a report from France 24.

Speaking to European Union lawmakers in Strasbourg, Carney emphasized the shared strength of Canada and Europe. "Canada and Europe are each strong. Europe and Canada are stronger together," he told the assembled legislators, as cited by France 24.

The proposal, details of which were not fully outlined in the report, would establish a new category of partnership between the EU and a non-member state. France 24 did not specify which EU body or official initially put forward the associate membership plan, nor did it provide further details on what such status would entail for Canada.

Carney's remarks come amid ongoing discussions between Canada and the European Union regarding deeper economic and political ties. The France 24 report did not include additional context on the timeline for the proposal or subsequent steps required for its implementation.