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EU leaders back associate-member bid for Canada amid rifts

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted EU leaders in Montreal to launch deeper trade, defence and economic talks.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada as the bloc’s first associate member.
France and Germany opposed the associate-member label, citing “Made in Europe” rules limiting Canadian access to EU spending.
Canada aims to supply LNG and hydrogen to Europe, join the EU’s €150-billion SAFE defence programme, and assess F-35 purchases.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted EU leaders in Montreal to launch deeper trade, defence and economic talks.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada as the bloc’s first associate member.
France and Germany opposed the associate-member label, citing “Made in Europe” rules limiting Canadian access to EU spending.
Canada aims to supply LNG and hydrogen to Europe, join the EU’s €150-billion SAFE defence programme, and assess F-35 purchases.