Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured an offer for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member, as Ottawa seeks to deepen ties with Europe amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

The proposal includes closer cooperation on defence, energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.

However, some EU member states have raised concerns, while Canadian officials acknowledge the country’s long-standing military and intelligence ties with the United States.

Carney said Canadian and EU officials will work out the details at a summit in Montreal in October.