EU chief proposes associate membership for Canada at Montreal summit, faces opposition from Germany

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening the door to Canada for a new "associate membership" status at a Montreal summit, aiming to bring Canada closer to the EU without full membership. The proposal faced resistance from Germany and other nations, who successfully lobbied to remove the specific term from draft statements, preferring softer language on an "ever closer association." Canadian Prime Minister Carney and EU officials welcomed the move to deepen ties, with plans to discuss defence, critical minerals, research and trade.