EU, Canada to build 'new chapter' in alliance at summit
The European Union and Canada are seeking to strengthen their alliance at a Montreal summit to navigate geopolitical uncertainties, including strained relations with the United States. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the bloc's first associate member.
Why it matters
This signals a major shift in Western trade and political alliances as nations seek to reduce economic dependence on the United States amid protectionist policies.
Canada and the European Union will craft "a new chapter" in their alliance at a Montreal summit that opens today, the EU chief has said, as they navigate uncertain relations with the United States.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raised the prospect of Canada becoming the 27-nation bloc's first "associate member" last month .
The title doesn't exist in EU treaties, and some members successfully pushed to drop the term from a joint summit statement.
But Ms von der Leyen used the term after landing in Montreal yesterday, saying the sides will "start discussing how to make Canada the first associate member of the EU."
"Our ambition is to build the closest partnership we have ever had with a non-European country," she added.
"A new chapter in our shared history starts in Montreal."
Canada and the EU have both been rattled by US President Donald Trump's second term.
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