Canada aims to become EU's first 'associate member' by June 2027, Carney says
Mark Carney has set June 2027 as the deadline to make Canada the European Union's first-ever "associate member". The category, which has no precedent, has been fiercely opposed by Germany.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday that Canada aims to become the European Union's first associate member by June 2027. The proposed status, which has no basis in EU treaties, seeks to deepen cooperation across policy, programs, and governance. Germany initially opposed the term "associate member" during negotiations, but the final text refers to an "ever closer association."
Carney, supported by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is committed to pursuing this vision. The EU and Canada will determine the full details of this new form of membership in the coming months. The summit also expanded cooperation in various areas, including digital trade, energy, and artificial intelligence.
Von der Leyen emphasized that this is a partnership, not against anyone else, but for their common strength.
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