Canada seeks EU associate membership after US trade talks collapse

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has proposed that the EU grant Canada the status of an associate member, accelerating Ottawa's pivot toward Europe following failed trade negotiations with the US. The Wall Street Journal reports Carney held closed-door talks with EU leaders over several months, aiming for deeper Canadian integration into the European market. The EU is reportedly open to discussing the initiative despite strict membership requirements, including potential access to its $21 trillion single market. Canada and the US previously stood on the brink of a catastrophic economic war. Foreign media indicate Washington's economy could withstand losing the Canadian market, while the consequences for Ottawa would be critical.