EU countries block Canada's 'associate membership' plan

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and several other EU leaders successfully pushed to remove the term from a draft declaration ahead of a two-day EU-Canada summit beginning Thursday in Montreal, according to diplomats cited by dpa and AFP news agencies.

The revised document calls for a plan to establish 'closer ties' between Canada and the EU without membership status. The declaration was approved by EU member states on Wednesday evening and is expected to be published on Friday, at the end of the summit.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and several EU commissioners are attending the talks in Montreal.

Opposition to associate membership

Von der Leyen first proposed making Canada the EU's first 'associate member' in September during a speech attended by Carney. However, the proposal raised questions among member states because existing EU treaties do not provide for such a status.

Diplomats said several governments were concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding the proposed arrangement and insufficient consultation between the European Commission and EU member states. Germany, France and Italy were among the countries that raised objections, although they broadly support closer cooperation with Canada.

Closer ties despite terminology dispute

Despite the disagreement over terminology, both sides intend to significantly deepen their partnership. The revised declaration focuses on an 'Alliance for the Future,' a term Carney has frequently used to describe relations between Canada and the EU.

The initiative aims to remove trade barriers, facilitate investment and secure supplies of critical raw materials, medicines and technologies during crises. Both sides also want to strengthen cooperation on energy, climate protection, artificial intelligence, security and education.

Canada could gain broader access to EU programs covering research, education and defense. A new economic council is planned to bring together businesses from both sides of the Atlantic.

US influence on EU-Canada relations

The push for closer ties comes amid growing uncertainty over relations with the United States under President Donald Trump. Trade disputes, US tariffs and Trump's territorial claims have raised concerns in both Canada and Europe about Washington's reliability as a partner.

Trump previously dismissed the idea of Canadian associate membership in the EU as ridiculous. He also threatened consequences if the arrangement harmed US interests, warning that he could impose high tariffs or halt trade with Europe in several sectors.

Both sides hope that closer cooperation will help reduce their dependence on other countries and strengthen their ability to pursue common interests.