Canada's Ambassador to the EU "Even if the relationship between the two sides deepens, we may not become 'associate members'"

Canada expressed a cautious response to the European Union (EU) head's proposal to grant Canada associate member status.

Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's ambassador to the EU, told Politico Europe on the 22nd (local time), "Canada and the EU plan to announce a 'comprehensive partnership' by next year, but the specific form of the future relationship is still being discussed."

He went on to predict that although it is certain that the relationship between the two sides will become deeper and closer in the future, it may not be in the form of Canada becoming an 'associate member' of the EU.

In her annual policy speech to the European Parliament last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shocked diplomatic circles in Brussels by revealing a surprising plan to leave open the possibility that Canada could become the EU's first "associate member." This proposal was made in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Regarding this, Ambassador Wilkinson said, “It was gratifying for Canada to receive such a proposal from Chairman von der Leyen,” adding, “I think it reflects that the way Europeans view Canada is the same as the way we view Europe.”

However, he emphasized, "Ultimately, it does not matter what name we call it (the relationship between the two sides)," and "What is important is to promote prosperity, economic security, and initiatives that can substantially drive the development of various fields in the future."

The EU and Canada are currently exploring areas where they can strengthen cooperation, including key raw materials, artificial intelligence (AI), and research and innovation.

Ambassador Wilkinson said that some agreements in this regard could be concluded at the EU-Canada summit held in Montreal, Canada next month, suggesting that the relationship between the two sides could become more concrete through next month's summit.

He also emphasized Canada's commitment to deepening EU relations by saying, "Our cooperation is not something that is talked about and put into practice five years later. We want to pursue it within the next 12 months."

When Chairman von der Leyen's plan to grant associate member status to Canada was revealed, doubts were raised among EU diplomats. It has been pointed out that currently, there is no associate member state system within the EU, and even if a legal framework is created, the process could take several years because it requires the consent of all member states.

In response, two EU officials who requested anonymity explained that the associate member state initiative is intended to refer to a new level of partnership that goes beyond existing trade, research, and defense agreements, Politico reported.