EU and Canada Drop Associate-Membership Proposal as They Seek Closer Strategic Ties
Canada and the European Union removed a proposal for Canadian “associate membership” from a draft joint declaration ahead of their summit in Montreal.
EUROPEAN UNION,POLITICS
Global N Press
10/29/20261 min read
OTTAWA/BRUSSELS, October 28, 2026 — Canada and the European Union dropped a proposal for Canadian “associate membership” in the bloc from a draft joint declaration ahead of a summit in Montreal, Reuters reported. Instead, the sides committed to developing an “ever closer association” and continuing work on the future framework for their relationship before another summit in 2027. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had raised the associate-membership idea, but Germany and other EU members questioned its legal basis and the absence of clearly defined rights and obligations. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking closer European economic and security ties as Ottawa looks to reduce its dependence on the United States amid trade tensions with President Donald Trump.
Trump had criticised the proposal and warned that Washington could restrict trade with Europe if it viewed the move as hostile. The draft declaration also included plans to study the feasibility of Canadian liquefied natural gas shipments to Europe and deepen cooperation on multilateralism and digital regulation. The summit is intended to launch further formal negotiations, rather than establish a new legal status immediately. The outcome reflects efforts by Canada and the EU to strengthen cooperation amid uncertainty over trade and security relations, but the scope and practical consequences of any closer association remain subject to further talks and agreement among EU member states.
