French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday supported a plan for Canada to become the first associate member of the European Union as he and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney aimed to enhance strategic connections across space, defense, energy, and business.
The leaders convened in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a French territory near Newfoundland's shore where France and Canada are only a few kilometers (miles) apart—a notable backdrop for Canada's increasing pivot towards Europe as ties with the United States decline.
Carney stated that the nations will assign their space agencies and defense ministries to create and share infrastructure, such as launch systems and ground reception facilities. They also consented to enhance collaboration in energy, telecommunications, climate adaptation, and economic growth.
Macron's backing follows shortly after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested designating Canada as the EU's inaugural associate member.
Carney welcomed the opportunity and contended that stronger connections with Europe would provide Canada with more options and reduce its susceptibility to economic pressure from any one nation.
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Trump's tariffs, calls for economic concessions, and constant discussions about making Canada the 51st US state have hastened that shift to Europe.
Trump recently shared a map on social media featuring the U.S. flag covering all of North America, which includes Canada and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
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Macron greeted Carney on Sunday at the airport in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, the French territory of roughly 5,800 residents near Newfoundland's coast.
Macron stated that the discussions on Sunday are included in wider initiatives to assist France in obtaining oil and gas supplies as the war in Iran disrupts global energy markets and increases concerns about rising costs for fuel and other necessities.
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"Canada possesses considerable resources of vital minerals and rare earth elements. It is a significant producer of oil and natural gas,” says Macron.
"We aim to finalize agreements to obtain additional liquefied natural gas that can be transported to the Atlantic coast of Europe," adds Macron.