Canada Aims to Seal Historic EU “Associate Member” Deal by June
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada could become the EU’s first associate member by the summer.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing to become the European Union’s first “associate member” by June.
Exciting times!
Leaders wrapped up a two‑day Canada‑EU summit in Montreal, launching an “Alliance for the Future” that focuses on digital trade, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “What brings us together goes far beyond geography. We see the world through the same eyes.”
European Council President Antonio Costa, Carney and von der Leyen expressed optimism about the future of Canada‑EU relations.
Carney said the alliance will help Canada and Europe withstand economic pressure and make their own decisions rather than be dictated to by more powerful countries.
He added that the arrangement is about “reinforcing sovereignty” so peoples can live their lives with the full freedoms enjoyed in the EU and Canada.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on Europe if he deems the proposed arrangement unfriendly, and has accelerated Canada‑Europe efforts to reduce dependence on Washington.
Canadian cabinet ministers and European commissioners will meet in March, after which Carney plans to attend European Council meetings in June to conclude negotiations.
Carney did not say whether the United States could eventually join the alliance, but insisted the deal is not retaliatory.
Stay tuned as this unprecedented partnership moves toward a June finish.
