Understanding Canada’s Europe Pivot

TIME reports that Carney's pivot toward Europe comes as he seeks to establish stronger international ties and curtail Canada's reliance on the American market amid an all-out trade war.[2]According to inkl, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed associate-member status for Canada, saying Europe wanted to take its relationship with Ottawa "to the highest level possible."[1] The outlet notes that this status does not currently exist under the EU treaties[1].Courthouse News reports that Carney stopped short of saying Canada would seek to become an "associate member" of the 27-nation EU bloc.[3] According to inkl, ambassador-designate Jonathan Wilkinson said Canada was not seeking full EU membership because that would require surrendering some sovereignty.[1]In Strasbourg, Carney said "Europe and Canada are stronger together,"[2] TIME reports. He also hinted at potential freedom of movement between the E.U. and Canada that would allow "youth to work, study, and live where they want."[2]inkl reports that Trump warned: "If it's a bad intention, we'll put very heavy tariffs on Europe."[1]CBC reports that some experts warn those values may soon no longer be as closely shared by the governments of key partners like France and Germany.[4]According to Courthouse News, Canada and the EU are planning a summit in Montreal in late October.[3]