EU
EU-Canada summit opens in Montreal: “associate membership” dropped from declaration; Carney says name doesn't matter
Costa and von der Leyen meet Prime Minister Mark Carney at a two-day summit aimed at an “Alliance for the Future.” EU governments watered down the Commission's proposal on Canada's status.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 29, 2026, 15:30 · Updated 18:43 · 1 min read
In brief
- The 21st EU-Canada summit is being held in Montreal on Oct. 29 and 30.
- Germany, France and Italy opposed von der Leyen's idea of an “associate membership” for Canada.
- Trump has warned that such an arrangement could be seen as a “hostile act.”
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are in Montreal for the 21st EU-Canada summit, held on Oct. 29 and 30 and hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. A business forum with commissioners and ministers takes place on Thursday, while formal leaders' talks are scheduled for Friday.
From “membership” to “closer ties”
Von der Leyen floated the idea of an “associate membership” for Canada in September, a status that does not exist in the EU. According to reports, the governments of Germany, France and Italy objected, citing an undefined legal basis and insufficient consultation. The revised draft declaration speaks of a plan for “closer ties” and a new framework by 2027. “It doesn't matter about specific names or nomenclature,” said Carney, who has ruled out formal EU membership.
The two sides are expected to announce an “Alliance for the Future,” with cooperation on trade, investment, critical minerals, energy, defense and security. Carney said on Tuesday that the summit would launch further negotiations over the coming year.
Ottawa looks for markets beyond the US
Canada is the only non-European country in the EU's SAFE defense procurement program, worth 150 billion euros. In 2025, the United States accounted for 71.7% of Canada's merchandise exports, and Carney aims to double exports to other countries within a decade. US President Donald Trump has suggested the arrangement could be a “hostile act” and threatened tariffs; a senior Canadian official said the rapprochement is not aimed at the United States.
