Canada expecting to seal EU 'associate member' deal by June

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney anticipates finalizing an agreement to make Canada the European Union's first associate member by June. During a summit in Montreal, leaders from both sides discussed strengthening economic and security ties. Canadian cabinet ministers and European commissioners plan to meet in March before negotiations conclude at European Council meetings in June.

The new arrangement, dubbed the "Alliance for the Future," aims to reduce dependence on the US and bolster economic and security cooperation. Canadian Prime Minister Carney emphasized that the goal is to grant Canada and Europe the freedom to make their own decisions.

The alliance includes several initiatives such as digital trade agreements, support for critical minerals projects, and participation in European supercomputing initiatives. Canada will also join efforts to curb anti-competitive practices and negotiate lower consumer prices.

While the US currently accounts for a majority of Canada's exports, Prime Minister Carney hopes to double exports to other nations over the next decade. Negotiations are expected to continue, with potential participation from other like-minded countries in the future.