Canada and EU agree on the 'deepest partnership' without membership

Montreal summit: a partnership 'short of membership'

Canada and the European Union intend to build a relationship deeper than ever before, but without Canada joining the union. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking on Friday at the Canada–EU summit in Montreal alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, described the goal as the 'deepest possible partnership, short of accession.' Anadolu reports.

What exactly was decided

As a result of the summit, the Canada-EU Alliance for the Future was launched, covering trade, energy, critical minerals, technology and security. In a joint statement, the parties agreed to strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses and workers. Several concrete outcomes were also recorded: negotiations on agreements on digital trade and competition have been concluded; the parties plan to study investment in Canada's critical minerals sector; and the leaders called for a feasibility study on the long-term export of Canadian LNG to Europe to strengthen energy security.

What this changes and what comes next

Carney emphasized the benefits for Canadians: better access to European markets and more opportunities for students and researchers through EU programs. According to him, amid growing global tensions and trade uncertainty, closer ties will allow both sides to draw on each other's strengths and have greater control over their economic future. It is practically important to distinguish between steps already taken and plans: the conclusion of negotiations on two agreements and the launch of the alliance are completed decisions, whereas the minerals investment and the LNG feasibility study are merely areas for further work. The parties expect to define the terms of a closer partnership by the 2027 summit; negotiations will continue in the coming months.