Canada–EU: closer ties under discussion in Montreal

The October 29–30 Canada–European Union summit in Montreal aims to deepen their partnership. The official programme called for a joint statement at the summit’s conclusion. [1]

Areas of cooperation

Trade, critical raw materials, digital cooperation and defence are on the agenda. Leaders aim to strengthen economic cooperation and supply-chain security. [1]

A disputed label

Ursula von der Leyen advocated closer association without accession on October 29, Reuters reports. The agency notes that several European countries oppose the term associate member, which has no legal status. [2]

What remains to be defined

Under the draft declaration seen by Reuters, work to define the relationship would continue until the next summit. These discussions therefore do not give Canada membership of the Union. [2]