Macron Supports Canada’s Bid for EU Associate Membership as Carney Deepens Ties with Europe
Macron and Carney agree to expand cooperation in defence, space, energy and technology as Canada explores closer links with the EU.
Toronto, Sep 21: French President Emmanuel Macron has backed a proposal for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to expand his country’s strategic and economic ties with Europe.
Macron expressed support for the proposal during a meeting with Carney in Saint Pierre-et-Miquelon, a French territory off Canada’s Atlantic coast. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in defence, space, energy, critical minerals and advanced technologies.
Macron said France supports closer relations between Canada and the EU as part of what Carney has described as an “alliance for the future”. Carney has promoted stronger European partnerships as Canada seeks to diversify its economic and strategic relationships.
The leaders agreed to direct their space agencies, defence ministries and industries to explore shared infrastructure, including launch systems and ground based facilities. They also discussed cooperation on energy transition, climate resilience, telecommunications and economic development.
Energy was another major focus of the talks. Macron highlighted Canada’s supplies of critical minerals, oil and natural gas and said France was interested in securing additional liquefied natural gas shipments for Europe.
The meeting comes as Canada works to broaden its international partnerships amid strained relations with the United States. Carney has argued that stronger links with Europe can increase Canada’s resilience while maintaining its relationship with Washington.
The proposed EU associate membership is still at an early stage. The status does not currently exist within the bloc, and any formal arrangement would require agreement among all 27 EU member states.
Carney has welcomed the proposal while stressing that Canada is seeking a deeper strategic partnership rather than full EU membership. His government has identified areas including defence, artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals and digital trade as potential areas for expanded cooperation.
Following his meeting with Macron, Carney travelled to Ottawa for talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on defence, Arctic security, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies.
The Canada-France meeting in Saint Pierre-et-Miquelon also carried symbolic significance, as it marked the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister to the French territory. Both leaders described the location as an important link between Canada and Europe.
