EU dropping associate membership title for its closer alliance with Canada

Source: CBC News [Canadian state media]

“The words ‘associate membership’ were removed from a joint statement expected to be released at this week’s Canada-EU summit, according to a draft seen by CBC News. But while the statement is now expected to use softer language promising closer ties between the 27-member bloc and Canada, the head of the European Union’s executive body continued to use the term in a social media post as she landed in Montreal on Wednesday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen surprised many last month when she announced the EU would begin the process of making Canada its first associate member — a status that does not exist within the bloc — raising concerns among some members and Canadian politicians about what that would look like.” (10/28/26)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/european-union-canada-associate-member-9.7399578