Canada will not pay directly into EU budget under Carney plan

Canada will not make direct payments into the European Union budget as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for a closer partnership with Europe, according to incoming EU ambassador Jonathan Wilkinson. Wilkinson said Canada would be selective about areas of cooperation, pointing to programs such as the EU’s SAFE defence lending scheme and possible collaboration on critical minerals, artificial intelligence, digital technology and research. He said any arrangement would not amount to EU membership and that Canada would keep its sovereignty. Carney outlined his vision in a speech to the European Parliament, including deeper trade ties, possible participation in Erasmus+ and future Horizon research programs, and cooperation on broadband, computing and financial services. The proposal still faces political questions in Canada and Europe, as well as scrutiny over how it could affect migration policy and other obligations. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the idea, warning of tariffs if the move is seen as hostile.