EU Commission President: EU and Canada Moving Toward Deeper Partnership Beyond Traditional Cooperation Frameworks

Brussels, October 29 (KUNA) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday that the European Union and Canada are moving toward a deeper partnership that goes beyond traditional cooperation frameworks and approaches the level of membership in the bloc without actual accession, as both sides seek to bolster their economic and security capabilities in the face of international challenges.

Speaking at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) in Montreal, Canada, von der Leyen emphasized that “our idea is simple”: a “partnership without membership.” She added, “We can build a partnership that comes closer to membership than anything we have done before.”

She stated that both sides aim to build a “alliance for the future” and create a shared space for growth and prosperity, enhancing resilience and economic security. She noted the potential to expand cooperation to include artificial intelligence, climate, energy, and security.

Von der Leyen warned against using trade as a tool for economic coercion, saying, “Families are the ones paying the price, from supermarket shelves to the cost of buying a new car.” She added, “We are witnessing, in real time, attacks on our sovereignty.”

She stressed that sovereignty and independence are no longer limited to the ability to act alone but are now linked to joint action, explaining that countries face a choice: either act unilaterally or adopt a strategic approach in cooperation with trusted partners facing the same challenges.

This rapprochement comes as Canada seeks to diversify its economic partnerships and reduce its dependence on the United States following the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The EU-Canada summit in Montreal, scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, will discuss ways to strengthen relations and expand cooperation between the two sides. (End) A.R.N. / M.A.A.