Carney to push for closer ties at Canada-EU summit in Montreal
Summary
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are meeting in Montreal for a two-day summit focused on closer Canada-EU ties. Officials expect discussions on defence, critical minerals, research, trade and possible Canadian participation in EU programs, but say a major announcement on Canada’s relationship with the bloc may come later.Key Facts
- The summit takes place Thursday and Friday in Montreal.
- Von der Leyen proposed an “associate membership” for Canada last month, but the status does not currently exist.
- Germany and other EU member states objected to the term “associate membership,” and a draft summit statement instead uses “ever closer association,” according to reports.
- Germany’s ambassador to Canada said the term could be confusing because Germany uses it in a different context involving Ukraine and potentially Moldova.
- Canadian and EU officials have said they want closer ties without full EU membership for Canada.
- Possible areas of cooperation include business, student exchanges, defence, critical minerals, research and trade.
- Canadian officials say Canada is considering joining selected EU programs rather than paying a membership fee like EU member states.
- U.S. President Donald Trump has called the associate-member idea “laughable” and threatened tariffs on Europe if he viewed it as a hostile act.
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