Trump has made the case for EU–Canada integration
Donald Trump has inadvertently done Europe and Canada a favour. By describing Canada becoming an Associate Member of the EU as potentially “hostile” and threatening retaliation, he has shown that the initiative matters.
The decision on the relationship between Canada and the EU is theirs alone. They are entitled to deepen their economic and political integration. Neither should accept a US veto over their partnerships.
Nor is there much to lose from standing firm. Canada and Europe are already experiencing US economic coercion. Giving in to threats will not remove this vulnerability. It merely shows that coercion works.
Prime Minister Mark Carney should therefore use his European Parliament speech to make clear that Canada will pursue deeper integration with Europe as it serves Canadian and European interests. He need not mention Trump by name. The message will be understood.
It will also be heard well beyond Washington. An ambitious EU–Canada partnership would signal to China and other powers that like-minded countries facing economic coercion will not face it alone. They can combine their economic weight, reduce vulnerabilities and defend their sovereignty collectively.
Trump has validated the rationale for integrating Canada and the EU, and, by extension, with other like-minded countries. But his intervention also raises the stakes. Associate Membership cannot remain another European announcement without substance. The EU and Canada must rapidly define concrete rights, obligations and areas of integration, including economic security, defence, technology, energy, critical minerals and democratic resilience.
Fabian Zuleeg is the Chief Executive and Chief Economist of the European Policy Centre.
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