Canada's Carney pushes 'new alliance' with EU despite Trump threats

In a speech to the European Parliament, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he welcomed EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's suggestion of "associate" membership.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (L) delivers a speech next to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, as part of a trip during which he welcomed a proposal by the European Commission President for Canada to become the EU's first associate member, on Sep 17, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Jean-Christophe Verhaegen)

BRUSSELS: Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney shrugged off a threat of US retaliation on Thursday (Sep 17) as he pitched a "new alliance" with Europe as a bulwark against outside pressures, in a closely watched speech to the European Parliament.