Criticism of EU Commission: Canada will not become an associated EU member for the time being
Chancellor Merz and other heads of government are slowing down von der Leyen's Canada plans. Several EU countries have watered down planned commitments for a closer connection of the country - shortly before a summit meeting.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for Canada to become an "associated member" of the EU has been put on hold. The term was removed from the draft declaration of the EU-Canada summit in Montreal, with several member states, including Germany, Italy, and France, expressing concerns over its unclear meaning. Instead, the EU and Canada aim to develop a concept for a "closer and closer connection" by next year's summit.
The two sides will strengthen cooperation in areas such as energy, climate, technology, and security, and Canada will participate more in EU programs for research, education, and defense.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.