Canada eyes Europe as it seeks to diversify

Ottawa looks for strategic partnership with Brussels amid difficult ties with US

Canada is seeking to build a broader economic and strategic partnership with Europe as its increasingly difficult relationship with the United States accelerates efforts to diversify trade, investment and supply chains, experts said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on Wednesday that Canada become the EU's first "associate member", a concept that currently has no established legal status within the bloc.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the proposal and called for a deeper alliance with Europe in areas ranging from energy and critical minerals to defense, artificial intelligence and digital trade.