Canada and the EU explore closer links – with Carney due to address European Parliamentpublished at 10:16 BST
10:16 BST
Katie Williams
Live reporter
Image source, ReutersImage caption,
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shakes hands with a member of the European Parliament while attending yesterday’s State of the Union address
There has been a lot of discussion in recent days about the future of Canada’s relationship with the European Union.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Sunday that Canada was seeking a “unique alliance” with the bloc. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said yesterday she wanted to work on “opening the door” for Canada to become an “associate member”.
It’s not clear what exactly the future relationship would look like – the “associate member” status doesn’t currently exist and, if agreed, could take years to implement – but it’s clear both are seeking closer ties.
As our Europe editor, Katya Adler, writes, US President Donald Trump is the unintentional matchmaker here.
The relationship between Canada and the US – often seen as the closest of partners – has soured in recent months, with an ongoing trade dispute between the neighbours.
Speaking to reporters last night, Trump called the prospect of Canada becoming an associate member of the EU “laughable”, and threatened to impose “very serious tariffs” on Europe if he interprets any move as happening with “a bad intention”.
We should hear more shortly, with Carney due to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg from around 11:30 local time (10:30 BST). You’ll be able to watch live at the top of the page.