Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed a proposal for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member.

In a speech to the European Parliament on Thursday, he said closer ties with Europe would protect Canada’s markets and sovereignty.

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

No country should be able to undermine its democracy and rule of law.

Carney’s push toward Europe comes as Canada’s relationship with the United States has worsened.

President Trump’s tariffs, demands for economic concessions, and talk of making Canada the 51st state have pushed Ottawa to reduce its dependence on its neighbor.

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

This leaves it highly exposed to Trump’s tariffs.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the associate membership idea on Wednesday.

She said the status does not yet exist in EU treaties and would have to be created.

Carney said he welcomed the proposal.

However, he noted that “associate membership” still needs to be defined.

He said he is not seeking full EU membership.

Carney proposed deeper cooperation on trade, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space, research and financial services.

He received a standing ovation from lawmakers in Strasbourg.

Carney will host EU leaders in Montreal on Oct. 29-30 to discuss the relationship further.

Trump suggested the arrangement could be a “hostile act” and threatened heavy tariffs on Europe.

Carney said Canadians are united in rejecting outside attempts to dictate their choices.