The European Union and Canada aim to deepen cooperation in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, climate, energy and security, while they are considering a new partnership model that could bring Ottawa closer to European structures.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated during a visit to Montreal, as part of the Canada-EU summit, that both sides can build a relationship that comes closer to membership than any cooperation model followed so far.
She mentioned the possibility of Canada becoming the European Union's "first associate member," although this is an idea opposed by some member states and does not constitute a status with defined legal meaning within the current EU framework.
"We can build a partnership that comes closer to membership than anything we have ever done before," von der Leyen said, highlighting opportunities for cooperation in technology, energy, climate and security.
The head of the European Commission called Canada a reliable partner at a time when, according to her, trade is increasingly being used as an instrument of economic pressure. She emphasized that common challenges require a more strategic approach between countries that share similar interests.
The rapprochement with Europe is part of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's strategy to reduce economic and security dependence on the United States, especially after the imposition of US tariffs on Canadian goods by President Donald Trump's administration. However, the initiative could also bring new tensions in relations between Ottawa and Washington, at a time when Canada and the United States are holding trade talks.
The initiative for a closer partnership between the EU and Canada signals the intention of both parties to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation, in an international climate where security, technology and trade relations are taking on increasing importance.
