Canada and the European Union (EU) are preparing to announce a comprehensive set of partnerships next year. Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's ambassador to the EU, stated on Tuesday that the future shape of this relationship is still under discussion and may not reach the term "associated membership."
Details of the New Partnership
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in her "State of the Union" speech last week that the doors for membership as the "first associated member" are open to Canada. However, Ottawa has acted cautiously regarding the formal nature of this agreement and seems to prefer to focus more on practical cooperation than on formal titles.
Wilkinson said in this regard: "It was very gratifying for Canada to hear this from the President of the European Commission because I think it indicates that Europeans see Canada in the same way that we see Europe." He added that labeling an agreement is less important than the issues that are currently more significant.
Legal and Diplomatic Challenges
The idea of associated membership has raised concerns among EU diplomats. Some diplomats stated that capitals have not been consulted about supporting this plan and also pointed out that no similar legal relationship is defined in the foundational treaties of the EU.
However, two EU officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said that this is a way to brand a new type of partnership that will be deeper than existing agreements in trade, research, and defense.
Wilkinson also noted: "This is not something we commit to and achieve five years later. This is something we intend to accomplish within the next 12 months." He emphasized that the labeling of this agreement is not important; rather, a deeper and closer relationship for both sides is what matters.
Given recent developments, the new partnership is expected to lead to improved economic prosperity, economic security, and a wide range of other collaborations. This could bring positive changes to Canada-EU relations that may be considered on a larger scale in the future.
