EU Commission says bloc united on closer ties with Canada despite reported divisions over 'associate membership'

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The European Commission said Thursday that EU member states share the objective of pursuing closer relations with Canada, despite reported disagreements over the proposed use of the term "associate membership" in a joint summit statement.

Speaking at the midday briefing in Brussels, spokesperson Paula Pinho said the EU remained committed to strengthening ties with Canada, adding that discussions would continue with the European Parliament, member states, and Canadian counterparts.

"As associate member of the EU, this is precisely an ever closer association of Canada to the European Union, short of full membership itself," Pinho said.

She stressed that the commission was "fully on board" with member states regarding the approach, objective, and ambition of pursuing closer association with Canada.

Pinho acknowledged that it would have been preferable for member states to have reached an agreement on the initial wording but said there was now a strong common basis for moving forward.

Her remarks came after EU member states reportedly remained divided over whether to include the term "associate membership" in a joint statement ahead of the EU-Canada summit.

Politico reported Tuesday that at least four countries opposed the wording, with Germany leading efforts to remove the term from the proposed text.

EU ambassadors failed to reach an agreement during talks Monday, while a subsequent silence procedure was also blocked after Germany and at least three other member states raised objections, according to EU diplomats cited by the outlet.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first floated the idea of associate membership for Canada during her State of the Union address in Strasbourg last month, suggesting a closer relationship short of full EU membership.

The proposal has exposed differences among member states, with diplomats previously telling Politico that von der Leyen had not consulted national capitals before announcing the initiative.

The summit in Montreal, taking place on Thursday and Friday, is expected to focus on strengthening EU-Canada relations and expanding cooperation in trade, energy, education, and the Arctic.