Canada wants the EU to step up as a global power. Does Europe?

The European Union has given Prime Minister Mark Carney a warm welcome, but whether it goes big with its offer of associate membership for Canada is unclear.

Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (left) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participate in a bilateral meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Sept. 16, 2026. Play Pause Share Shared content is always free to recipients. Copy link Copied! Font Size Share this story Copy Link Link copied

In his bid to dramatically tighten transatlantic ties, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking an economic lifeline for his country. But perhaps more important, he is throwing down a challenge to Europe.