The European Union backs Canada's bid to become the bloc's first "associate member," as Brussels seeks closer ties with Ottawa and Trump calls the idea "laughable."

Carney urged work to deepen ties "deliberately, systematically and rapidly."

By opening the door this week for Canada to become the first “associate member” of the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered Prime Minister

The European Union has given Prime Minister Mark Carney a warm welcome, but whether it goes big with its offer of associate membership for Canada is

The invitation by the E.U. for Canada to become an “associate member” is a sign of Mr. Trump’s brand of diplomacy, which often involves threatening America’s closest friends.

The US trade war is pushing Canada towards Europe. Defence, aerospace and industrial technology are where European companies may gain first. View on euronews

It's in Canada's best interest to form a stronger alliance with Europe, regardless of what happens in the U.S.-Canada trade war, says Canada's former envoy to the European Union. But that doesn't mean we'll have to cede our sovereignty.

Canada and the European Union have been confronting an increasingly challenging relationship with the United States under President Trump.