UK’s Burnham, Canada’s Carney discuss AI risks, defence cooperation

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in Liverpool to discuss cooperation on defense and artificial intelligence. The leaders agreed that governments and the tech sector must collaborate to ensure online safety and address the risks associated with AI. Both nations currently lack dedicated AI legislation, with the UK adopting a sector-led approach and Canada relying on privacy law and a voluntary code after its AI bill lapsed. Discussions also covered defense, including reconciling proposals for an allied military financing bank and Canada's application to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force. The meeting highlighted a shared concern for managing AI's evolving capabilities and ensuring evidence-based policy decisions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened the European Union with significant tariffs and potential trade cuts if Canada is granted "associate member" status. Trump described the proposed status as potentially "hostile" and called Canada a "terrible trade partner." This warning comes after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening the door for Canada to become the EU's first associate member, as Canada seeks closer ties with Europe amid strained relations with Washington. The specifics of this proposed associate membership are currently unclear, and any such proposal would require the approval of EU member states. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's office expressed enthusiasm for a stronger alliance with Europe but did not specifically endorse associate membership.

The European Union has proposed making Canada its first associate member, aiming for closer cooperation in technology, defense, and energy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to this new status, emphasizing the need for democracies to unite. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump called the offer "laughable" and a "hostile act," threatening the EU with "serious tariffs" and a halt to trade if the intention is perceived as negative. This development occurs as Canada seeks to diversify its defense ties, including applying to join a British-led military coalition. The EU's associate membership concept is new, though it has existing deep economic ties with countries like Norway and Switzerland.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU's first "associate member" to strengthen ties in a challenging global environment. This offer, made during her State of the Union address, aims to forge new links with allies facing an "openly hostile world" and an assertive China. Canada, with its rich supplies of critical raw materials, could benefit from new markets, while the EU seeks to diversify its supply chains. While the offer is described as "deliciously vague," some suggest it could serve as a blueprint for other countries, potentially including the UK, though the UK's current political focus on domestic issues may hinder such aspirations. This development comes as Canada has been advocating for closer alignment with "middle powers" due to perceived recklessness in Washington.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Strasbourg this week seeking a "unique alliance" with the European Union, driven by a desire to reduce reliance on Washington. This renewed focus on the EU is a direct response to actions taken by US President Trump, such as imposing tariffs. Unlike the EU, which accepted these tariffs without significant opposition, Canada swiftly implemented counter-tariffs against the United States. Trudeau's visit includes being a special guest at the European Commission President's State of the Union address and delivering a speech in the European Parliament. Both Canada and the EU aim to forge closer ties, described as being "as close as you can get without (Canada) actually becoming an EU member," to diversify their international relationships.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that Canada become the European Union's first "associate member." This overture follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's earlier statement that Canada was seeking a "unique alliance" with the EU. Von der Leyen stated that closer ties are needed as democracies face a "fracture in the international rules-based system." The proposed alliance aims to move beyond a trading relationship to a broader "alliance for the future," focusing on collaboration in sectors like manufacturing, AI, critical minerals, and energy. This development comes ahead of an EU-Canada summit in Montreal next month, and while EU treaties do not currently envision associate membership, the concept has been previously suggested for Ukraine.

New European legislation, the Industrial Accelerator Act or "Made in Europe," designed to curb China's industrial influence, risks jeopardizing UK plans for a reset summit with the EU. UK government sources state that this act, which prioritizes EU suppliers in key sectors like car manufacturing and defense, was not part of the initial reset plan agreed upon in May 2025. The UK fears this could lock British businesses out of EU contracts, potentially impacting billions in trade. The UK is now insisting that "Made in Europe" be included in upcoming discussions, with a potential summit date being pushed back. While some EU member states support the UK's inclusion, France remains unconvinced, prioritizing the legislation's passage to counter Chinese competition.

The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, is moving forward with plans for a social media ban for children under 13. Von der Leyen stated that social media apps are "depriving children of their childhood" and that big tech platforms must prove their products' safety. A draft law is expected to propose a complete ban for under-13s, while those aged 13-15 may have "mini accounts" with parental supervision and time limits. This plan, part of the commission's broader Digital Fairness Act, will require agreement from the European Parliament and EU member states to become law.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has opened the possibility for Canada to become an "associate member" of the European Union. This proposal, made during the EU's State of the Union address, stems from shared values and cooperation on issues such as AI, climate change, geopolitics, Ukraine, defense, raw materials, and supply chains. The move signifies a desire for closer ties between the EU and Canada, particularly as both entities have faced trade tariffs under the Trump administration and seek to strengthen their alliances. Von der Leyen also suggested a European Security Council, including the UK and Ukraine, to address continental security threats.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the European Union's first associate member. This overture, made during her state of the European Union address, aims to foster "common prosperity" based on shared democratic values. The move comes as Canada, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, seeks to reduce its reliance on US trade, partly due to US tariffs and political rhetoric. The proposed alliance would build upon the existing Ceta free trade agreement and expand cooperation into areas such as advanced manufacturing, technology, defense, and economic security. Von der Leyen emphasized that this partnership is not directed against any other entity but is intended to enhance the collective strength of the EU and Canada.

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, aiming to attract global investors and diversify Canada's economy away from over-reliance on the United States. Carney announced a goal to catalyze C$1 trillion in investment over five years, offering incentives like tax deductions and reduced red tape. He highlighted Canada's critical mineral reserves and clean energy potential, positioning the country as an "energy superpower" with plans to export low-emission oil to Asian markets. The summit included representatives from sovereign wealth funds, banks, and major investors, with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink expressing optimism about potential international capital inflow if government plans are implemented. Carney also indicated plans to open Canada's four largest airports to private investment.