EU and Canada deepen cooperation on minerals, defense and an associate-membership experiment
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney struck agreements on critical mineral cooperation and launched a six-month trial of an associate-membership model for Canada, in a summit framed around sovereignty, industrial policy and strategic autonomy.
European leaders wrapped up a two-day summit in Montreal with a package of agreements focused on critical minerals, defense and a new partnership framework. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will become the European Union’s first associate member and set a six-month deadline to define the scope of that status, adding that he will meet periodically with von der Leyen and host a visit by the College of European Commissioners in March.
The European Investment Bank signed a framework agreement with Canada to make lending easier for projects involving lithium, nickel, cobalt and other minerals essential for batteries and semiconductors, a step intended to cut the EU’s dependence on Chinese supplies. While the deal does not release immediate funding, it opens pathways for future investment in Canadian mining and ties EU supply chains more closely to Canadian sources.
Both sides also committed to a long-term feasibility study on exporting Canadian liquefied natural gas to Europe via eastern or Arctic ports, acknowledging the logistical obstacles involved in moving fossil fuel resources from western Canada to European markets.
"Today is about sovereignty. We're building the industries and infrastructure that underwrite our collective security," Carney said at the summit.
U.S. Senator Peter Welch, attending the meeting, warned that relations with the United States remain uncertain under President Donald Trump’s administration, noting that any improvement would depend on future political developments.
Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty highlighted China’s aggressive acquisition of critical minerals worldwide, stating that Canada possesses the full set of minerals on NATO’s priority list and plans to both exploit and transform those resources.
The summit also touched on internal Canadian politics, with Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon boycotting the event after being denied a speaking role, leaving an empty chair at the table.