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While the European Union is engaged in an internal debate about closer economic ties with Canada, the “associate membership” title appears to be off the table.

The political and economic union of 27 member states has dropped the idea of offering Canada “associate member” status, Politico reported Wednesday .

Instead, the EU is shifting toward softer language that promises an “ever closer association” with Canada, citing the latest version of the draft statement.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for closer ties with Europe stems from his plan to diversify the Canadian economy following U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war involving tariffs on many goods crossing the border, affecting the automotive industry, steel, aluminum, and forestry products.

‘Associate membership’ was proposed

Last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed “associate membership” for Canada in her State of the European Union speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

“We must urgently reimagine our partnerships,” von der Leyen said while addressing Carney. “So, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU.

“We share one ocean, one set of values, one way of seeing the world. And we will now build our shared future as well – thank you for being here.”

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The speech caught some EU countries by surprise. In the weeks since von der Leyen’s comments, Germany, Greece and France objected to mentioning associate membership in a joint EU-Canada statement to be issued at a summit in Montreal later this week, diplomats told Politico .

According to the report, a previous draft of the joint statement said the EU and Canada would “work to define by the 2027 EU-Canada Summit the concept of Associate Member that will reflect, through this even closer association, our common endeavour and cooperation towards our shared goals of prosperity, economic security and strategic autonomy.”

The final version of the text was changed.

‘Ever closer association’ with Canada

“We will create an even closer association between Canada and the EU … and work to define by the 2027 EU-Canada Summit the concept of an ever closer association of Canada to the EU, short of full membership itself.”

Politico reported the final text still needs approval and EU countries have until 6 p.m. local time to raise objections.

Carney released a statement Sunday about expanding the economic partnership between Canada and the EU after announcing the summit in Montreal.

“The world is more dangerous and divided,” Carney said. “In response, Canada and the European Union are building on each other’s strengths – deliberately, systematically, and rapidly – to form a new, ambitious alliance. An alliance that builds resilience for what it allows us to do for our citizens, and our citizens to do for themselves. An alliance strong enough so that no one can dictate our choices, and an alliance open enough that others can join.”

Outside the United States, the EU is Canada’s largest trading partner for goods and services.

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