Washington: In a bid to strengthen its defence and economic ties with Europe, Prime Minister Mark Carney has formally applied for Canada to join the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), while the European Union (EU) has offered Ottawa a new ‘associate member’ relationship.
Carney announced Canada’s JEF application during his meeting with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool on September 16. The prime minister announced the JEF application during his visit to Europe.
US President Donald Trump then warned that the EU could face “very heavy tariffs” if he considers its actions over Canada a “hostile act”. He also said the United States could stop trading with Europe on some goods. He country Prime Minister’s Office said Carney welcomed British support for the application. “Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada has formally applied to join the Joint Expeditionary Force and welcomed the UK’s support for Canada’s participation in this important initiative,” it said.
The proposal would establish a new form of relationship between Ottawa and the 27-member bloc.
The Canadian government says the project will support the development and testing of new equipment and advanced technology at CFB Suffield. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Ottawa to become the EU’s first “associate member” during her State of the Union address in Strasbourg on September 16. The two governments are also working on the BATUS Future Project, which aims to establish a new permanent facility for British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada. Canada’s defence plans with Europe were accompanied by a new proposal from the EU.
Canada became an observer in July 2026, joining the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan in talks over the multinational programme for a next-generation combat aircraft. Carney and Burnham also talked about Canadian participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
