EU Commission insists on granting "associate membership" status to Canada despite objections from member states

EU Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho answered journalists' questions on the subject at the daily press conference.

Pinho said the following about EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's reiteration of the same goal in her post on her social media account after reaching Montreal, although some member states objected to the phrase "associate membership" in the joint statement of the EU-Canada Summit to be held on 29-30 October:

"This week's summit will be the first meaningful opportunity to develop this concept and the 'Alliance for the Future' initiative with our partners."

Reminding that the EU and Canada are strategic partners that prefer each other, Pinho stated that in a time of increasing global uncertainty, both parties aim to closer their relations to strengthen prosperity, resilience, security and sovereignty through this mutually beneficial partnership.

Stating that one of the priority agenda items of the summit will be to bring Canada closer to the EU than ever before, Pinho said, "Canada's position as an associate member of the EU, although one step behind full membership, means that the country's ties with the EU are getting closer and closer." he said.

Pinho noted that after the talks at the summit, they will continue to work with the European Parliament, member states, Canadian friends and interlocutors to achieve common goals.

Stating that they are in full agreement with the member countries on the approach, target and closer relations with Canada, Pinho said, "As foreseen in the summit text, we continue to work intensively with our member countries on the necessary framework for joint membership." he said.

Pinho stated that the text agreed upon for the joint statement is based on a strong basis and that the negotiations will continue.

Emphasis on "associate membership" from the EU Commission

EU Commission President von der Leyen, in her post on the social media platform of US-based company He used the following expressions.

It was announced that a group of countries, including Germany, Italy, Greece and France, opposed the use of the term "associate membership" in the joint EU-Canada statement to be published in Montreal.

Some EU members stated that the President of the Commission did not consult the capitals of the member states before bringing this proposal to the agenda.