Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting European leaders in Montreal for a summit aimed at forging deeper trade, defense, and economic ties, as Canada and the European Union seek to reduce their reliance on the United States. The gathering comes as a proposed "associate member" designation for Canada within the EU faces resistance from some member states, despite advocacy from top EU officials.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are attending the two-day summit. Officials from the EU briefed reporters that the proposed partnership could create the closest relationship between the bloc and a non-European country. However, the specifics of the arrangement, including its name, remain unsettled.
Von der Leyen expressed her support for the proposal, stating on social media that Europe aims to bring Canada closer than ever "as Associate Member of the EU." However, Anand Sundar, a special adviser at the European Council on Foreign Relations, indicated that countries like France and Germany have expressed reservations, suggesting the designation might not be finalized during the summit.
Carney stated that the summit would initiate further negotiations over the coming year. He emphasized that the specific terminology is less important than the tangible benefits for Canadians, including opportunities for study, work, travel, business, and research, ultimately fostering a more independent and sovereign nation. Carney has ruled out formal EU membership, which would necessitate aligning Canadian laws and regulations with the bloc's. Canadian officials clarified that Canada would not assume EU budget obligations but could contribute to specific programs. Any enhanced partnership would also require a parliamentary vote in Canada.
The summit is also seen as a test of Carney's vision for a new global order. He previously warned at the World Economic Forum in Davos about the breakdown of the U.S.-led international order and urged middle powers to unite against economic coercion. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously suggested that Canada's proposed EU arrangement could be perceived as a "hostile act" and has threatened tariffs on Europe in response to perceived unfriendly actions.
A senior Canadian government official stated that the closer relationship with the EU is not directed against the United States but is based on long-standing shared interests. The summit is expected to launch an "Alliance for the Future," a framework for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, critical minerals, technology, and research. Von der Leyen views this alliance as a means for Canada and Europe to jointly address a world of increasing rivalries.
Potential aspects of the enhanced partnership include regular meetings between Canadian ministers and European commissioners, as well as expanded opportunities for students through the EU's Erasmus+ program. Sector-specific meetings between European commissioners and Canadian Cabinet ministers are scheduled, beginning with a business forum. Officials hope to have a broader partnership framework ready for endorsement by 2027.
Tobias Gehrke, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, believes that disagreements over terminology are unlikely to impede closer cooperation. He noted that reducing reliance on the U.S. economy and military is a complex endeavor, especially given potential U.S. retaliation, but sees a significant opportunity for enhanced collaboration.
Canada has historically sought to reduce its dependence on the United States. Historian Robert Bothwell of the University of Toronto suggested that the desire to not be isolated in its relationship with the U.S. is a key driver for this initiative. Carney's deep ties to Europe, including his tenure as Governor of the Bank of England, and his decision to prioritize Paris and London for his initial foreign trips as prime minister over Washington, reflect this strategic shift.
Political science professor Daniel Béland from McGill University observes that the policies and rhetoric of the Trump administration are accelerating Canada's efforts to strengthen ties beyond the United States, encouraging both countries to prepare for a scenario with diminished U.S. leadership.
In defense matters, Canada is reviewing plans to acquire additional F-35 fighter jets and is considering alternatives. Canada is also participating in the EU's defense procurement program, SAFE, allowing Canadian companies access to joint European military purchases. However, deeper defense cooperation faces challenges, with differing views among EU member states on rules for defense spending and participation by non-EU countries.
Beyond defense, Canada and the EU already have a comprehensive free trade agreement, known as CETA. The two sides are also exploring closer cooperation on digital trade and critical minerals, including potential financing from the European Investment Bank. Gehrke highlighted that Europe's trade confrontation with China is increasing demand for Canadian critical minerals, with Canada possessing the necessary resources and expertise, while Europe offers industrial demand, technology, and capital.
Sundar views the evolving international landscape as an opportunity for the EU to enhance its global influence, suggesting that geopolitical shifts are enabling the EU to position itself as an alternative anchor. The United States accounted for a significant majority of Canada's merchandise exports in 2025, and Carney aims to diversify export markets by doubling exports to other countries over the next decade.