20 September 2026
Canada in the EU’s Orbit
Commission President von der Leyen proposed opening the door to Canada as the EU’s “first associate member”. This Alliance for the Future would deepen cooperation in defence industries and advanced technologies, building on the existing trade partnership under CETA. Since the label associate member itself creates no new legal status, the question remains: How could Canada gain meaningful influence within a closer partnership without joining the Union? The Council’s negotiating mandate should now seek an association that gives Canada a stronger voice, while preserving the institutional distinction between association and EU membership – a difficult balancing act. Continue reading >>
0 