Canada and EU launch partnership to deepen cooperation and explore associate membership

Canada and the European Union unveiled a new partnership described as an “ever-closer association” at a summit in Montreal on Friday. The agreement seeks to coordinate policies on artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals and other areas of mutual interest.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the two sides will work toward the deepest possible partnership short of full accession, and that Canada could become the EU’s first associate member. He added that the details of the relationship will be clarified at a summit scheduled for 2027.

"We are working towards the deepest possible partnership, short of accession," Carried said.

"Canada becoming the European Union’s first Associate Member."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, noting that the associate-member concept remains contentious among some member states.

The joint statement released after the summit highlighted cooperation on resolving conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, strengthening security ties in the Arctic, and concluding talks on a digital trade agreement that would complement the existing Canada-EU trade deal.

Carney also confirmed his attendance at upcoming European Council meetings in June, where further discussions on the partnership are expected to conclude.

"We are building the industries and infrastructure that underwrite our collective security," Carney said.

The initiative follows recent tensions with the United States, where President Donald Trump threatened trade sanctions in response to proposals for a new EU-Canada status.