EU wants ‘closest possible’ relationship with Canada, Costa tells POLITICO

DUBLIN ― European Council President António Costa said in an interview with POLITICO that the EU wants to “do more” and “act as much as possible with Canada” as the bloc seeks to define its ties with Ottawa. Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered to make Canada the EU’s first “associate member” — to the surprise of many European governments who are still wondering what the relationship would entail. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been pursuing stronger links with Europe to reduce his country’s dependence on the U.S. amid a trade dispute between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed fresh tariffs on Canada last month and has repeatedly threatened to make it the “51st state.