Canada Seeks to Become EU's First Associate Member by June
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada is pursuing associate membership in the European Union, aiming to conclude negotiations by June. The proposal follows a Montreal summit that produced agreements on critical resources, digital trade, and supercomputer access, though it faces objections from Germany and criticism from Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated unequivocally that Canada is working to become the first associate member of the European Union, with plans to conclude negotiations for the partnership by June. 
The announcement follows a Canada-EU summit held in Montreal, where leaders finalized several agreements. Canada and the EU concluded negotiations with the European Investment Bank to support investment in critical Canadian resources. They also wrapped up a digital trade agreement designed to improve legal certainty and facilitate cross-border data flows. Additionally, an agreement was finalized granting Canadian researchers and businesses access to European supercomputers.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first raised the prospect of making Canada an associate member in a speech last month. While the initiative has received support from von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, it faces internal hurdles within the 27-member bloc. EU members must vote on the associate membership status, and Germany has objected to the proposal.
Domestically, the summit drew criticism from Canadian Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, who characterized the event as a "grand theatrical meeting" focused on signing meaningless declarations.