Is the trade dispute with the United States intensifying and Canada shifting towards Europe?

According to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal, as trade negotiations with the United States break down, Canadian Prime Minister Carney has launched a "pivot to Europe" strategy and is studying the possibility of obtaining "associate member state" status in the European Union.

The report quoted EU and Canadian officials as saying that the EU has been relatively conservative in its "accession" rules in the past, but now it is open to creating a new "quasi member state" status and granting it to Canada.

According to reports, Carney is discussing with EU leaders the establishment of a mechanism to allow Canadian goods, services, and practitioners related to energy, artificial intelligence, and key minerals to move freely within the EU.

Canada and Europe also held consultations on topics such as laying submarine cables, jointly building data centers and cloud storage facilities, jointly developing new satellite networks, and constructing energy channels that can transport Canada's energy to Europe. In addition, Carney has also discussed with French President Macron and others the possibility of visa free access for Canadians living and working in the European Union.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that on the 13th local time, when asked by the media about the Wall Street Journal's report during an event, Carney said, "We have no intention of becoming a member of the European Union" and Canada is seeking to form a "unique alliance" with the EU. In his view, the world has become "more dangerous and divided", and "at this time, partners need to unite as one".

The report points out that in private discussions, some of the highest level officials in Europe are concerned that Carney's ambitions may not be realized. After all, the trade agreement reached with Canada ten years ago still has multiple EU member states that have not officially ratified it.

The report also stated that Carney is scheduled to deliver a speech at the European Parliament on the 17th, proposing a vision for the development of Canada Europe relations.