In Montreal on Friday, the 21st Canada‑European Union summit closed with the launch of the "Alliance for the Future," a new partnership framework that will cover trade, digital economy, raw materials, financial services, security and more.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada is pursuing a status as the EU’s first associate member, aiming for a partnership “short of accession.”
Carney explained that, "Over the coming months, we will determine the substance, scale and scope of this form of membership."
The joint statement issued Friday highlighted that the alliance will "deliver more choice and lower costs for families, new export markets for businesses, and greater opportunities for young people to live, work, and study where they want, in Canada or the EU," according to a Canadian government news release.
During the summit, Canada and the EU announced more than 20 new initiatives and concluded negotiations for the Canada‑EU Digital Trade Agreement. The agreement – the first Canada‑specific pact dedicated entirely to digital trade – aims to reduce frictions in online trade and make it easier for businesses to sell goods and services.
The two sides plan to define the concept of an "ever‑closer association" of Canada to the EU by the 2027 EU‑Canada Summit, a step short of full membership itself.
