European Union backtracks on Canada becoming ‘associate member’

The European Union has abandoned plans to designate Canada as an associate member, according to a report from German Press Agency (dpa). In September, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had advocated for Canada to become the first associate member of the EU, a status that is currently non-existent. However, a draft statement outlining the EU-Canada relationship has removed references to "associate member" and "associated membership."

This decision was reportedly pushed for by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other EU leaders, as per dpa sources. The statement now emphasizes an "ever closer association" between Canada and the EU, but also weakens commitments related to financial market integration and mutual preferential treatment for economic security. The finalized statement is anticipated to be released at the conclusion of a two-day EU-Canada summit in Montreal on Friday.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been working to strengthen ties with the EU, Canada's second-largest trading partner, as trade relations with the United States, Canada's largest economic partner, have deteriorated under former President Donald Trump.