Canada is accelerating its move toward closer ties with the European Union as its trade conflict with the United States continues, according to reporting from BFM. The French outlet describes Canada as "the most European of non-European countries," framing the shift as a search for what it calls a unique alliance.
The push involves Prime Minister Mark Carney, who wants to bring Canada even closer to the EU, Radio-Canada reports. Euronews reports that Ottawa is eyeing associate member status with the bloc, a step that would stop short of full membership. La Tribune likewise frames the development as Canada moving away from Washington toward Europe without joining the European Union.
The context is a commercial war with the United States. Boursorama reports that the deepening EU relationship is unfolding amid that trade fight. Taken together, the coverage suggests Canada is looking to reduce its reliance on its southern neighbor by strengthening its economic and political links across the Atlantic.
What exactly an associate arrangement would involve, and whether Brussels is willing to offer one, remains unclear from the reporting so far. How the Trump administration responds to Canada's overtures to Europe is the next thing to watch.