Canada and EU aim to conclude associate membership talks by June 2027

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has set June 2027 as the target for concluding negotiations on Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member, following a bilateral summit in Montréal.

The proposed status, which has no precedent in EU treaties, is intended to deepen cooperation between the two sides on policy, programmes and governance. Its practical arrangements have yet to be agreed.

The plan faces opposition from Germany, which objected to the term “associate membership” during negotiations on the summit’s joint declaration. The final text instead committed to an “ever closer association”.

Carney nevertheless reaffirmed his ambition, saying Canada was pursuing the deepest possible partnership with the EU short of full accession, with the country potentially becoming the bloc’s first associate member.

The European Commission and Canadian government plan to develop the proposal at a spring meeting, with Mark Carney hoping to conclude negotiations at an EU leaders’ summit in June. Ratification arrangements remain unclear, although Carney has pledged a Canadian parliamentary vote. Ursula von der Leyen cited broad member-state support for closer ties, while Germany’s opposition persists. EU treaties restrict full membership to European states.

via Euronews