Canada and EU Open Montreal Summit With Closer Ties Pledge, Dropping Associate Member Label

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa in Montreal on Thursday for a two-day Canada-EU summit to deepen trade, defence and economic ties. Leaders launched an “Alliance for the Future” on trade, critical minerals, technology and research.

The joint declaration drops the disputed “associate member” label for Canada and uses “ever closer association” instead, according to a draft seen by Reuters. The declaration is expected to be made public on Friday, with work on the relationship to continue until another summit next year.

A label without legal standing

Von der Leyen floated the associate membership idea six weeks ago. Germany led European governments that argued they could not sign up to a concept with no legal status or precedent, diplomats told Reuters. A previous draft had included at least two references to Canada as an associate member.

The draft also proposes new subsea cable infrastructure linking Europe, Canada and Asia, a feasibility study on Canadian liquefied natural gas exports to Europe, and steps to let young Canadians and Europeans work across the Atlantic.

Deeper ties with Europe are part of Carney’s effort to reduce Canada’s reliance on the US since President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods, Reuters reported. Carney told reporters Tuesday the summit launches formal negotiations lasting about another year: “The good news is it doesn’t matter about specific names or nomenclature. What matters is the difference it will make to the lives of Canadians.”

Canada ships nearly 70% of its exports to the US, while the EU takes about 9% of its total trade, according to a former Canadian Finance Ministry adviser quoted by Reuters. The White House said US and Canadian trade officials are talking.

Reporting based on coverage by Reuters and Canada Brands.