EU and Canada move to tighten ties at Montreal summit
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EU leaders and Canadian officials are preparing to expand cooperation in trade, technology, climate and security at a Montreal summit, as both sides seek to reduce dependence on the United States and build a more autonomous partnership.
European Union officials and Canadian representatives will meet in Montreal on Friday to broaden their partnership across trade, investment, supply chains, artificial intelligence, climate action, security and Arctic issues. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the two regions are "complementary systems" and emphasized the need for deeper collaboration instead of remaining locked into the orbit of larger powers.
"It has become clear that there's much more that we can do together," von der Leyen said at the C.D. Howe Institute.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the proposed "alliance for the future" as one that should be "strong enough so that no one can dictate our choices" and "open enough that others can join", framing the effort as a push for shared sovereignty and greater room to maneuver.
The summit will also address Canada's increased exports of critical raw materials and liquefied natural gas, which the EU seeks to diversify away from reliance on China and to lower energy costs. Support for Ukraine remains a priority, with the EU planning to cover two-thirds of a projected €70 billion budget gap and urging allies such as Canada to contribute to the remaining shortfall.
European Council President António Costa, High Representative Kaja Kallas and several EU Commissioners will attend, underscoring the institutional weight behind this new alignment. Discussions include possible future meetings between the full College of Commissioners and the Canadian cabinet.
"Our idea is simple: it is an association without accession. But we can replace accession with a common ambition and vision," von der Leyen said.
Carney reaffirmed the goal, stating that Canada is moving toward becoming an associate member of the EU partnership.
The final joint declaration will reference an "ever closer association" rather than the term "associate membership," following a last-minute revision by Germany.