Canada Seeks EU Common Market to Reduce US Dependence

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced that Canada is pursuing a deeper industrial alliance with the European Union to reduce its economic reliance on the United States. Speaking at a Canada-EU summit in Montreal, Joly stated that Canada intends to move beyond the tariff-focused Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement toward a common market featuring shared certification standards and industrial integration.

This strategic shift follows a trade war triggered by President Donald Trump. To secure information flows and diversify export markets, Joly emphasized the need for undersea data cables owned by Canadian and European interests. The proposal uses the North American Free Trade Agreement as a model for this industrial partnership.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has already formalized Canada's participation in the EU's SAFE defense procurement program. During the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested that Canada could become the first associate member of the European Union.