Mark Carney Seeks Associate Membership for Canada in EU

Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa for a Canada–EU Summit in Montreal on October 29 and 30, 2026. During a meeting with business leaders, Carney announced that Canada is working to become an "associate member" of the European Union to establish a new alliance.

This status was originally proposed by von der Leyen but has faced resistance from EU member nations, including Germany, and has been downplayed by some officials. The summit aims to increase cooperation in defense, security, energy, technology, critical minerals, and trade to protect the Canadian economy during an unpredictable trade war with the United States.

Public opinion is divided along party lines. A Canada Pulse Insights poll shows approximately 73 percent of Canadians support the effort to strengthen ties with Europe, though a majority of Conservative supporters disagree. Additionally, political commentator Sarah Mills has criticized the proposal, arguing that the term "associate member" is inappropriate and that Canada should avoid officially tying itself to Europe in future trade relationships.