The term 'associate member' for Canada by EU sparks confusion

Washington (ANTARA) - The term ‘associate member’ used to describe the future relationship between Canada and the European Union has surprised several member states, according to a report by The New York Times on Thursday, citing European officials.

In her State of the Union address to the European Parliament on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Canada is planned to become the bloc’s first ‘associate member’.

She noted that both parties intend to upgrade their relationship from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) towards a higher level of partnership. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was in attendance for the speech.

The term has never been used before as such a partnership does not currently exist within the European Union. Furthermore, it remains unclear what steps Ottawa must take to achieve this status, according to the New York Times report.

The designation also has the potential to cause friction between the European Union and other candidate countries and partners, such as Albania, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, the report added.

The report also noted that the term ‘associate member’ has been poorly received among Canadian officials, who understand that EU membership would entail a loss of some sovereignty, contradicting Carney’s political discourse.

The Canadian government is seeking to diversify its international trade partnerships amidst ongoing trade disputes with the United States.

At the end of August, Carney stated that Canada and the European Union would begin intensive talks to enhance their economic and security partnership this autumn.