Carney: Canada 'Overdependent' on US, Seeks EU 'Associate Membership'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Friday that his country has realized it is too economically reliant on the United States. Speaking after negotiations in Montreal, Carney argued that Canada must build domestic strength and diversify its international partnerships to reduce this vulnerability.

"The lesson we've taken, Canadians as a whole, is we're overdependent on the United States. Too closely connected to the United States. And we need to build our strength here at home and diversify and deepen our partnerships with like-minded countries internationally," Carney said in an interview with DW.

The comments followed talks between Carney and an European Union delegation led by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa. The two sides are discussing a new status for Canada that von der Leyen has termed "associate membership." While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government has resisted adopting this specific label, Carney appeared supportive of the concept.

Carney clarified that the terminology matters less than the substance of the relationship. He explained that the arrangement would represent the closest possible partnership without Canada becoming a full EU member, a status he noted is geographically impossible for a North American nation.

"Well, I think the advantage of what we're doing is that a few things are absolutely clear, irrespective of the exact terminology that's used. President von der Leyen uses associated membership. We use associated membership," Carney said at the Port of Montreal Tower.

The Prime Minister positioned the move as a way to deepen cooperation rather than to create a bloc that excludes the United States. He acknowledged that Canada and the US remain close allies within NATO. However, he predicted that in many sectors, collaboration between Canada and Europe would become more intense than ties with Washington.

Carney cited existing frameworks like the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as successful models. He also identified space technologies, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals as areas where new cooperation could expand. He pointed to research programs such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ as examples of deepened ties.

Addressing potential friction with President Donald Trump, Carney noted that US-Canadian bonds are longstanding and will persist regardless of who holds office. He described his approach to dealing with Trump as being direct and clear about bottom lines. Carney said Canada views US trade actions against it as unjustified under existing agreements but emphasized that the EU talks are a positive act to solve global problems, not a move against any single partner.