The European Union and Canada have agreed to pursue an ever closer association, dropping a contentious proposal for Canada to become an associate member of the bloc. The decision comes ahead of a summit hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Montreal, which runs Thursday and Friday.
The proposal for associate membership, offered by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, faced strong resistance from several EU member states. Germany, Italy, and Greece objected to the term, citing concerns over legal uncertainty and the potential to set a precedent for other third countries. Additionally, some nations resisted the offer due to a lack of detail regarding what the status would entail.
The offer sparked anger in Paris and Berlin, while Prime Minister Carney faced criticism at home over the proposal.
A joint statement expected to be released on Friday will reflect this shift in language. The updated draft replaces the title of associate member with a watered-down promise of an ever closer association of Canada to the EU, short of full membership itself.