Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney received a standing ovation from European lawmakers during a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Carney expressed support for exploring Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member, while emphasizing that the arrangement would not mean full EU membership.

His comments come as relations between Canada and the United States have become strained over tariffs, trade disputes and President Donald Trump’s demands for economic concessions.

Carney said closer ties with Europe could strengthen Canada’s economic and political resilience through cooperation on trade, defense, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, space and research, CBS News has reported.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a partnership with Canada, though the details and meaning of “associate membership” have yet to be determined.