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The words “associate membership” were removed from a joint statement expected to be released at this week’s Canada-EU summit, according to a draft seen by CBC News.
But while the statement is now expected to use softer language promising closer ties between the 27-member bloc and Canada, the head of the European Union’s executive body continued to use the term in a social media post as she landed in Montreal on Wednesday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen surprised many last month when she announced the EU would begin the process of making Canada its first associate member — a status that does not exist within the bloc — raising concerns among some members and Canadian politicians about what that would look like.
The draft statement now calls for an “ever closer association.” It says this deepening relationship, repeatedly dubbed an “alliance for the future” — language previously used by Prime Minister Mark Carney — will be rooted “in a more active foreign and security policy partnership.”
A source speaking to CBC News on the condition they not be named says this statement is now finalized by EU member countries, but Canada could still ask for changes.
Another source said some EU countries opposed the term “associate member,” particularly Germany who called it a red line.
News that the summit’s joint statement won’t mention associate membership was first reported by Politico.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says what ‘matters’ at the EU summit set to take place later this week in Montreal is ‘Canada as a whole becoming a more independent, more sovereign nation so we can live our lives as we choose.’
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday before a cabinet meeting, Carney said the title of Canada’s relationship to the EU shouldn’t matter as long as it delivers for Canadians.
“The good news is it doesn’t matter about specific names or nomenclature,” he said.
“What matters is the difference that it will make to the lives of Canadians … and Canada as a whole becoming a more independent, more sovereign nation, so we can live our lives as we choose.”
‘Associate member’ ambitions
Touching down in Montreal ahead of the two-day event, von der Leyen continued to use the term “associate member.”
“An ocean separates Europe and Canada. Yet we have never felt closer. We have a new ambition: bringing Canada closer to us than ever before, as associate member of the EU,” she posted to social media.
“Montreal, we’re about to write a new chapter in our shared history.”
The summit comes as the Canadian government is looking to to boost trade, investment and strategic partnerships with the EU bloc as part of a plan to reduce economic reliance on the United States under the unpredictable and volatile leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The version of the EU-Canada statement seen by CBC News commits to reinforcing “a predictable trade environment, deepening collaboration in the Arctic, countering foreign information manipulation and interference and continued support for Ukraine.”
It also includes commitments to strengthen co-operation on energy security, build up critical mineral supply chains and advance co-operation on artificial intelligence security and safety.
On Thursday, Carney will host a roundtable with business leaders on the margins of the summit. He will then host a dinner in honour of von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
