Canada and EU explore associate membership for freer trade

Prime Minister Mark Carney is exploring making Canada an "associate member" of the European Union, a novel status the EU is reportedly open to creating, according to The Wall Street Journal. The discussions aim to allow free movement of goods, services, and workers in strategic sectors like energy, AI, and critical minerals, effectively shifting the EU's border. Canada's escalating trade war with the US has driven this strategic pivot toward Europe. The proposal faces hurdles, as a more modest EU-Canada trade deal remains unratified by several EU countries years after its provisional entry into force. Carney has discussed visa-free movement with French President Macron, with both leaders set to meet later this month.