EU abandons proposal for Canada’s ‘associate membership,’ opting to pursue closer ties ahead of Montreal summit

EU member states have dropped a proposal to offer Canada “associate membership” in the 27-nation bloc, replacing it with a commitment to pursue closer ties ahead of an EU-Canada summit in Montreal, Politico reported.

Germany, France, Italy and Greece were among the countries that opposed including associate membership in the joint declaration, although European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the idea in September.

The revised statement calls for an “ever closer association” between Canada and the EU. Both sides aim to define the arrangement by their 2027 summit, while stopping short of full membership.

The declaration still needs final approval. EU governments have until 6 p.m. to raise objections.