French President Emmanuel Macron is backing a proposal to make Canada the European Union’s first associate member, as Canada looks to strengthen its ties with Europe amid growing tensions with the United States.
Macron and Prime Minister Mark Carney met Sunday in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a small French territory off Newfoundland and Labrador. The two leaders discussed closer cooperation in defence, energy, space, critical minerals and technology.
Carney said stronger relationships with European countries could help Canada become more independent and resilient, while stressing that closer ties with Europe are not meant to be hostile toward the U.S.
The meeting comes as trade tensions with Washington continue, including U.S. tariffs and ongoing remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state.
The leaders also discussed energy cooperation, with Macron highlighting Canada’s oil, natural gas, critical minerals, and rare earth resources as potential supplies for Europe.
The talks mark another step in Canada’s efforts to expand its international partnerships and strengthen economic and strategic ties beyond North America.
(Source: The Guardian)
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