Von der Leyen renews EU associate-member proposal for Canada

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen renewed her proposal for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member, even as the draft summit declaration uses different language for the planned closer relationship. Speaking in Montreal on Thursday, von der Leyen described the idea as association without accession and called for deeper cooperation between Canada and the EU. The term does not appear in the draft declaration, which instead refers to an “ever closer association” and says the relationship will be further defined by the next summit in 2027. The draft wording reflects objections among some EU member states to the associate-membership label, which has no established legal meaning in EU treaties. Germany and other countries opposed including it in the declaration. The draft remains subject to change before leaders issue a final statement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the name matters less than the practical benefits of closer ties. He has emphasized opportunities for Canadian businesses, students and researchers, as well as cooperation that could strengthen both sides’ ability to act independently. Neither Canada nor the EU is seeking...