2 hrs ago

France Backs Closer Canada-EU Ties and Associate Membership

France and Canada want to work more closely with the European Union.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France supports this plan.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada and Europe could form an "Alliance for the Future."

The proposed partnership could cover trade, technology, defence, energy and artificial intelligence.

France and Canada also discussed fisheries, security and the Arctic.

They talked about the war in Ukraine, the Middle East and energy supplies.

Ursula von der Leyen suggested that Canada could become the EU's first associate member.

US President Donald Trump said this idea might be hostile and threatened heavy tariffs on Europe.

Key facts

Location: Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a French overseas territory about 20 km from Canada's Newfoundland.
Proposed status: Canada could become the European Union's first associate member.
Existing framework: The proposed upgrade would build on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA.
Potential cooperation areas: Manufacturing, technology, defence, the Arctic, energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.
Bilateral cooperation: France and Canada said they would strengthen cooperation in fisheries, security and energy.
Geopolitical discussions: The leaders discussed Ukraine, European and transatlantic security, the Middle East and the Arctic.
United States reaction: Donald Trump said Canadian associate membership could be a hostile act and threatened heavy tariffs on Europe.

thehansindia.com · 2 hrs ago