Canada is moving closer to the European Union, but without becoming a member state. This is the compromise solution taking shape on the eve of the EU-Canada summit scheduled to take place in Montreal.
According to sources in Brussels, the summit’s final conclusions are expected to include a reference to an increasingly close association between Ottawa and the European Union, while ruling out full membership.
Discussions in recent days have focused mainly on defining the new relationship. Uncertainty had been sparked by the proposal to grant Canada the status of “associate member” of the EU — a formula that raised questions about its political and institutional meaning.
The mediation effort therefore aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties without introducing a new category of affiliation with the European Union. This distinction is expected to pave the way for an agreement on the summit’s final document.
