Canada and EU step up cooperation to cut reliance on the US

Amid pressure from US President Donald Trump's trade policies, Canada has moved to expand trade, defense and economic cooperation with the European Union.

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are attending a summit held in Montreal for this purpose. The summit also proposes deeper cooperation on technology, research and critical minerals.

A proposal to make Canada an 'associate member' of the union has drawn objections from some member states, including France and Germany. Prime Minister Mark Carney said what the partnership is called matters less than the opportunities it creates for citizens, businesses and researchers.

Trump had warned that such a relationship could be viewed as a 'hostile act' and that tariffs could be imposed on Europe if necessary. Canadian officials, however, said the cooperation is aimed at mutual interests and is not directed against the United States.