After Trump’s ‘51st State’ Threat, Canada Looks to Europe

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is working to significantly strengthen ties with the European Union as part of an effort to reduce his country’s long-standing dependence on the United States, against the backdrop of an escalating confrontation with the Donald Trump administration. According to The Wall Street Journal, Carney is advancing the move amid the trade war and President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada and turn it into America’s 51st state.

Shortly after the trade war began, Carney started reaching out to European leaders, and even members of royal families, in an effort to explore the most ambitious options for upgrading relations, short of full EU membership. Among the ideas under discussion is a new status of “associate member of the European Union.” Officials on both sides said Brussels is open to considering the idea, though the details have not yet been worked out.

The talks focus on integrating Canada into the European market in energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and security, in a way that could allow freer movement of goods and workers. In discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, the possibility was also raised that Canadians could live and work in Europe without a visa. At the same time, Carney is promoting pipelines to send gas directly to Europe and expanding the use of Arctic shipping routes.

But the move could come at a cost: deeper integration into the European market may require Canada to contribute funds, accept workers, and comply with EU regulations. European officials are also wondering whether Ottawa is using its growing closeness with them as leverage against Washington. On Thursday, Carney is expected to present his vision to the European Parliament.

The confrontation comes as roughly two-thirds of Canadian exports are sent to the United States. After Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods following the collapse of trade talks, Canada responded with tariffs of up to 50% on about 700 American products worth approximately $20 billion, including steel, dairy products, electrical appliances, and agricultural equipment. The tariffs took effect on September 8.

Three days after Canada’s announcement, Trump signed an order changing the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” When asked about his attitude toward Canada, he replied: “Canadian officials have treated us very badly. They are nasty people,” and called them “the worst people when it comes to trade.”