Member states strike 'associate membership' for Canada from the Montréal summit text
At the summit in Montréal the EU promises Canada ever closer ties, but Germany blocked the label Ursula von der Leyen had championed.
The European Union and Canada are holding a summit in Montréal on Thursday and Friday, but the term Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wanted to use for the rapprochement has not made it into the final declaration. Member states refused to offer Canada 'associate membership', news agency Belga learned, Knack reports. Germany in particular objected. Instead, the text promises Canada an ever closer bond with the Union.
According to Business AM, Berlin felt the substance of the partnership must be settled before any legal label can be attached. Von der Leyen is also said to have launched the idea without first consulting member states. Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho acknowledges that unanimity on the original wording would have been preferable, but speaks of a shared vision for the relationship. HLN reports that von der Leyen keeps using the term despite the opposition. Ottawa is also more cautious: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney prefers to speak of an alliance between middle powers, according to Business AM.
On substance, cooperation is growing, including on critical raw materials, defence and digital services. According to Business AM, both sides also want to study whether Canada could supply liquefied natural gas to Europe over the long term, as the Union grapples with high gas prices and low stocks. La Libre looked at how Canadians view the rapprochement: early reactions ran high until it became clear that EU membership is not on the table. The Conservative opposition remains wary, and Quebec premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, a supporter of independence, was given no speaking slot at the summit.