Montreal:Canada and the European Union are set to craft "a new chapter" in their alliance at a Montreal summit, as they navigate uncertain relations with the United States.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raised the idea of Canada becoming the 27-nation bloc's first "associate member" last month, though the title does not exist in EU treaties. Despite some members pushing to drop the term from a joint summit statement, von der Leyen mentioned it upon her arrival in Montreal, indicating that discussions would begin on making Canada the first associate member of the EU.
Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the urgency of reducing dependence on the United States, citing President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats as reasons for the need to build a "new, ambitious alliance" with the EU. Carney expressed that the world is becoming more dangerous and divided, and highlighted the importance of Canada and the EU building on each other's strengths.
The summit is expected to address several key initiatives, including aligning policies on climate, energy, and artificial intelligence, and potentially allowing Canadian participation in some EU programs. Additionally, there may be an agreement for the European Investment Bank to support Canadian critical mineral projects, which are essential for green technologies.
A digital trade deal facilitating faster and cheaper online transactions is anticipated to be announced, and discussions on Canada's participation in the EU's Erasmus youth program are underway. Carney stated that specific terms such as "associate-member status" are less important than the benefits the new alliance will bring to Canadians.