Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed a potential US backlash on Thursday while advocating for a "new alliance" with Europe to counter external pressures, during a highly scrutinized speech to the European Parliament.
Carney's address followed EU leader Ursula von der Leyen's proposal that Canada might be the first "associate member" of the 27-nation bloc during her speech to EU legislators on Wednesday.
The prime minister stated, in a speech that received a standing ovation, that 'Europe and Canada are more powerful united,' expressing his country's support for the EU proposal and the desire for enhanced collaboration on matters ranging from artificial intelligence to defense and energy.
The Canadian leader responded later to US President Donald Trump's warning about cutting trade with the EU if the plan proceeds -- stating to reporters: "No one will dictate our culture or whom we can make agreements with globally."
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Carney has been seeking stronger connections with Europe as his nation becomes increasingly involved in a trade dispute with the United States.
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Relations between the EU and US have also been significantly strained due to tariffs and territorial threats.
"We are striving for resilience to ensure that no one can dominate our open markets, jeopardize our sovereignty, endanger our territorial integrity, or weaken our freedoms, democracies, and rule of law," Carney stated.
Von der Leyen's suggestion received an annoyed response from Trump, who criticized it as "laughable" and informed reporters that it might be perceived as a "hostile act."
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"If the intention is negative, we will impose significant tariffs on Europe," he stated.
The outlines of the "associate member" proposal were not instantly apparent since EU treaties do not foresee this option -- however, Carney stated Canada "supports this goal".
Von der Leyen highlighted that the partnership was "not aimed at anyone else," and Carney similarly aimed to assure Washington that the alliance would not be confrontational but a "constructive" effort.