Canadians support closer ties with the EU amid trade dispute with the US — Al Jazeera
In Canada, there is support for closer cooperation with the European Union after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly raised the possibility of associate member status for the country. Canada will not join the EU, but Prime Minister Mark Carney supported the idea of a new partnership format that could cover critical minerals, defence, artificial intelligence, energy, digital trade, research and financial services.
As Al Jazeera English reports, speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Carney also called for making it easier for young Canadians and Europeans to work, study and live on both sides of the Atlantic. He said that Canada and Europe are stronger together.
Support among Canadians
An Abacus Data poll conducted on September 4–9, before the initiative was officially confirmed, showed that 81% of Canadians support deeper integration with the EU provided that the country remains outside the bloc. This includes facilitating transatlantic trade, travel, employment and education. Another 80% of respondents supported deeper cooperation in foreign policy, defence and economic matters.
Favourable attitudes toward the EU in Canada stand at 71%, while 21% of respondents view the US favourably. Among respondents aged 18 to 29, 38% named education, professional training and research among the top priorities in relations with the European Union.
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Tariffs and Washington's reaction
The discussion of closer Canada-EU ties is taking place amid Canada's trade dispute with the United States. After unsuccessful negotiations, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 50% tariffs on nearly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including machinery, textiles and hockey sticks. The sides exchanged new tariff measures.
Trump also said he could impose serious tariffs on the EU or halt trade with Europe in a number of goods if he considers Canada's possible associate membership a hostile move. Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada's Conservative Party, in turn stressed the need to preserve Canadian sovereignty. At the same time, the report notes that there are no indications that Canada would be required to introduce EU taxes or laws or open its borders under the format being discussed.
Full EU membership for Canada was supported by 49% of poll participants, while 30% were opposed and 21% were undecided. Next month, Canada and the EU plan to continue discussing their relationship at a summit in Montreal.
