Canada and EU drop "associate membership" idea ahead of Montreal summit, opt for "ever closer association"

Canada and the European Union have agreed to pursue “ever closer association” but dropped the contentious idea of associate EU membership, according to a joint declaration seen by Reuters ahead of the 21st EU-Canada summit in Montreal on October 29-30.

Who is meeting

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosts European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU says leaders will launch an “Alliance for the Future” covering trade, digital, critical raw materials, defence, security, research and youth.

Why “associate member” was dropped

Von der Leyen floated associate membership about six weeks ago. According to diplomats cited by Reuters, Germany led a group of EU countries arguing they could not sign up to a concept with no legal status. Carney said names matter less than “the difference it will make to the lives of Canadians,” adding that formal negotiations would take another year.

What is in the text

According to Reuters, the declaration, due to be published on Friday, includes:

• a joint initiative on subsea cables linking Europe, Canada and Asia;
• a feasibility study on Canadian LNG exports to Europe;
• easier work opportunities for young Canadians and Europeans across the Atlantic;
• a statement that both sides “deeply regret” US sanctions on the International Criminal Court.

Context

Closer ties with Europe are part of Carney’s strategy to reduce reliance on the United States after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada still sends nearly 70% of its exports to the US, while the EU accounts for about 9% of its total trade. The White House said US and Canadian trade officials are talking.