The European Union is exploring a new category of relationship with Canada that could bring Ottawa closer to the bloc without turning it into a full member state.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member” during her State of the Union address. The idea is still being defined, but Brussels says it could cover technology, critical raw materials, energy and defense.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the speech, underscoring how quickly ties between Ottawa and Europe have expanded. The proposal arrives as Canada seeks to reduce its strategic dependence on the United States and as Europe looks for reliable partners outside the continent.
Details would still need to be negotiated with EU governments and the European Parliament. A Canada-EU summit scheduled for October is expected to provide an early test of how far the idea can go.
Reporting based on European Commission remarks, Euronews and Reuters coverage. Featured image: Michael Wave via Unsplash.
