Carney proposes Canada as EU 'associate member' to diversify trade

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reportedly proposed making Canada an "associate member" of the European Union, according to the Wall Street Journal, as part of efforts to diversify trade ties away from the United States. The proposal, revealed Saturday, has not been confirmed by Carney's office or Global Affairs Canada. European leaders have reportedly embraced the idea, with discussions focusing on integrating Canada into strategic supply chains involving energy, AI, critical minerals, and defense. If successful, Canada would become the EU's closest partner outside Europe. Talks include undersea cables, joint data centers, and satellite networks. Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament Thursday, with an EU-Canada summit planned for late October.