Carney Calls for Canada-EU Alliance as Associate Member

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for a new alliance with the European Union, describing Canada as an “associate member” during a business roundtable in Montreal on Thursday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also continued to advocate the idea, but the proposed status has no legal meaning in EU law and was omitted from planned joint-statement language. Carney said the partnership should build on shared interests and complementary strengths. He identified artificial intelligence, finance, food security, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing as areas for closer cooperation. The proposal is part of a two-day Canada-EU summit in Montreal involving Carney, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. Von der Leyen has described the concept as an association without accession, distinguishing it from full EU membership. Canada has ruled out joining the bloc as a full member. Some EU governments, including Germany, have opposed the associate-member label, arguing that it lacks a legal basis and has not been defined. The label’s absence from the planned joint text leaves the form of any closer relationship unsettled. Instead, draft...