Canada to host EU summit in Montreal to discuss associate membership

Canada will host a summit with the European Union on 29‑30 October in Montreal to deepen strategic and economic cooperation.

The meeting, the 21st Canada‑EU summit, will focus on trade, technology, defence, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, research and financial services. European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are expected to attend and issue a joint statement.

In September, von der Leyen proposed that Canada become the EU’s first “associate member”, a suggestion welcomed by Trudeau’s office. The proposal aims to build on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has removed duties on up to 99 percent of goods traded between the two parties since its entry into force in 2017.

The push for closer ties follows heightened tensions with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian and European exports. Canada, which previously sent nearly 80 percent of its exports to the US, is seeking to diversify its economic relationships.

Analysts note that while the EU offers market power and research capacity, Canada contributes abundant energy, critical minerals and a strong banking sector. The summit will aim to translate these complementary strengths into concrete agreements.

Source: Al Jazeera. Photo: Scott Webb / Pexels.