EU and Canada look to build a stronger bloc at Montreal summit
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
EU leaders and Canadian officials are set to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, climate and security at a Montreal summit, with both sides openly seeking to reduce their reliance on the United States and expand a more sovereign transatlantic arrangement.
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 stressed the need for closer cooperation as Europe and Canada look beyond dependence on Washington.
"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", presenting the initiative as a practical defense of national interests and freedom of action.
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 dimension of the new alliance. 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.