EU and Canada to forge deeper alliance at Montreal summit
The European Union and Canada are set to announce a comprehensive new partnership at a summit in Montreal on 29-30 October. A nine-page draft text seen by The Guardian outlines plans for an “alliance for the future” covering digital trade, the economy, raw materials, the Arctic, and people-to-people contacts. The document avoids the phrase “associate membership,” a term recently floated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that surprised EU diplomats and from which Canada’s government distanced itself.
The two sides intend to deepen ties across many areas to build “a deeper and more integrated relationship.” The draft states: “Our partnership may become a model for other countries seeking friendship in a challenging world.” It is expected to be closely examined by the United Kingdom and other nations. Negotiations will begin on Canada’s participation in major EU programmes, including Horizon for research, Erasmus+ for student exchanges, and the Galileo satellite system.
Other commitments include assessing the export of Canadian liquefied natural gas and critical minerals to the EU, enhancing cooperation on artificial intelligence safety, and conducting feasibility studies for new subsea infrastructure linking Europe, Canada, and Asia. Labour mobility will be increased to reduce barriers for young people and skilled professionals. The leaders will sign an agreement for the joint purchase of 50 waterbombers manufactured by Canada’s DeHavilland, to be operational by 2030 for wildfire response in both Canada and the EU.
