Canada’s Prime Minister is Mark Carney.

He welcomed an idea for Canada to join the European Union.

Canada would be the EU’s first associate member.

On Thursday, Carney spoke to the European Parliament.

He said closer ties with Europe would protect Canada’s markets.

He also said it would protect Canada’s freedom.

He said no country should control Canada’s open markets.

He said no country should hurt Canada’s democracy or its rule of law.

Canada’s relationship with the United States is getting worse.

President Trump put tariffs on Canada.

He asked Canada for economic concessions.

He also talked about making Canada the 51st state.

So Canada wants to depend less on the US.

Canada sends about 70% of its exports to the United States.

So Trump’s tariffs can hurt Canada a lot.

Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission.

On Wednesday, she proposed the associate membership idea.

She said this status does not exist yet in EU treaties.

She said it would have to be created.

Carney said he welcomed the proposal.

But he said “associate membership” still needs to be defined.

He said he is not asking for full EU membership.

Carney proposed more cooperation in many areas.

These include trade, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space, research and financial services.

Lawmakers in Strasbourg gave him a standing ovation.

Carney will host EU leaders in Montreal on Oct. 29-30.

They will talk more about the relationship.

Trump said the arrangement could be a “hostile act.”

He threatened heavy tariffs on Europe.

Carney said Canadians are united.

They reject outside attempts to dictate their choices.