Canada Aims to Become First Associated Member of the EU by 2027
Canada and the European Union plan to finalize negotiations for potential associated membership by June 2027, announced Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney after a summit in Montreal.
This status, not outlined in EU treaties, aims to strengthen ties in politics, programs, and governance. Practical implications are yet to be discussed.
Germany opposed the term "associated member" in the joint declaration, suggesting to replace it with "an increasingly close association." However, Carney is determined to pursue this idea.
"We are striving for the deepest partnership possible without full membership, which relates to our geography. Canada will become the first associated member of the EU," Carney stated at the press conference.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that Canada become the first associated member of the bloc, a concept that had not been widely discussed with member states.
Von der Leyen highlighted benefits, including full integration into Horizon and Erasmus programs, as well as a €90 billion support line for Ukraine.
The summit also expanded cooperation in digital trade, energy, and artificial intelligence.
"The concept of associated membership remains uncharted territory, but we have the ambition and creativity to shape it together," von der Leyen added.
The European Commission and the Canadian government will hold a joint meeting in the spring to detail the proposal. Carney is expected to participate in the EU leaders' summit in June.
It remains unclear how this agreement will be ratified across Europe. Carney has promised to bring the proposal to a vote in the Canadian Parliament.
Von der Leyen noted that there is "broad support" among member states for Canada's closer ties with the bloc.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz first proposed the term "associated member" in the context of Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU, but Kyiv rejected this idea.
Von der Leyen emphasized that "our relationship is so special that we want to create something new."
