WSJ: Carney considers making Canada EU 'Associate Member'

A major US newspaper has reported that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is considering forging a new, deeper economic relationship with the European Union without becoming a full member. His bid comes on the back of Canada's souring ties with the United States.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that Carney has suggested to EU leaders that Canada take on a new status as an "Associate Member" of the bloc.

The exclusive article said Carney has often spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron, and the idea came up to allow Canadians to live and work in Europe visa-free.

It said the two sides are also talking about underwater cables to link Europe and Canada. Other ideas reportedly include jointly constructing data centers, cloud storage and new satellite networks beyond the reach of American tech giants.

Carney's plan comes as tensions with Washington intensified after US President Donald Trump imposed 50-percent additional tariffs on a range of Canadian imports in August, claiming Canada is treating the US unfairly.

The article quoted a senior Canadian official as saying, "This is Canada turning from looking at itself as a North American nation to a trans-Atlantic nation."

Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament on Thursday. All eyes are on what he has to say on his vision for Canada's cooperative relations with the EU.