The European Union and Canada aim to strengthen their economic cooperation to reduce dependence on the United States. But a proposal by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to grant Canada a special EU status is being blocked by European governments.
Less USA
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking closer economic and political ties with Europe due to imposed U.S. import tariffs and deteriorating relations with Washington. Furthermore, President Donald Trump threatened to halt trade with Europe in various sectors if he views the rapprochement with Canada as hostile.
Germany especially opposed Von der Leyen's proposal to make Canada the first 'associate member' of the EU. France, Italy, and other EU countries also raised objections. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged that the term be removed from the joint EU-Canada summit declaration in Montreal.
Unclear rights
The objections primarily concern the lack of a legal basis. The European treaties do not recognize associate membership. Several governments also feel Von der Leyen did not sufficiently consult and that it remains unclear which rights and obligations Canada would have with this status.
European diplomats also fear that a special status for Canada would raise expectations among other countries seeking closer ties with the EU. The term ‘associate membership’ was previously used for Ukraine as a possible step toward full EU membership. For Canada, the same term would carry a very different meaning.
Alliance
Despite objections, Von der Leyen continued to speak of Canada as a future associate member upon her arrival in Montreal on Wednesday. Carney downplayed the disagreement. According to him, it is not about names or terms, but about the concrete benefits that closer cooperation would bring to the Canadian population.
The original wording has since been removed from the draft declaration. Instead, Canada and the EU now speak of an 'Alliance for the Future' and increasingly close cooperation without full membership. Both parties want to further develop the precise content of this ahead of their next summit in 2027.
Digital and gas
During the two-day meeting in Montreal, Carney, Von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa will discuss expanding cooperation in trade, defense, energy, security, and technology. Artificial intelligence and the supply of critical raw materials are also on the agenda.
A concrete item is a new agreement on digital trade, which aims to facilitate electronic contracts, data exchange, and cross-border transactions. Additionally, Canada and Europe are exploring expanding trade in critical minerals and the possibility of exporting more Canadian liquefied natural gas to Europe.
