https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/european-union-backtracks-on-canada-becoming-associate-memberContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/european-union-backtracks-on-canada-becoming-associate-memberhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/european-union-backtracks-on-canada-becoming-associate-member#u167217Sun, 01 Nov 2026 08:16:25 +0000The European Union has dropped the concept of offering Canada associate membership, opting instead for a watered-down statement promising an "ever closer association" at the conclusion of the Montreal summit. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously suggested Canada become the bloc's first associate member. However, Germany and several other EU capitals strongly objected to the plan, pushing for the removal of the specific membership label from the final joint draft statement. Despite the terminology retreat, both sides signed a digital trade deal and la