Macron and Carney pledge deeper Canada-France ties in energy, defence, space

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans Sunday to strengthen cooperation on energy, defence, space and other sectors, citing shared values between the two nations. The announcement came during a joint media conference on Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French archipelago near Newfoundland. Both leaders emphasized commitments to democracy, rule of law, and free trade, with Carney highlighting the need to secure access to AI, semiconductors, and critical minerals. The move reflects Canada's effort to reduce dependence on the US amid an escalating trade dispute. Carney has proposed a "unique alliance" with the EU, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently suggested could make Canada the bloc's first "associate member." US President Donald Trump called the proposal "laughable" and warned of heavy tariffs if it were seen as a hostile act.